Oakland Raiders: What we learned from Preseason Week 2
By Austin Gayle
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) celebrates his touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarte at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Latavius Murray Shows Early Signs of an Efficient Running Style
After earning 424 yards and two touchdowns on just 82 carries with Oakland in 2014, Latavius Murray is believed to be the answer at running back for a team that finished the previous season with just 1,240 yards and four touchdowns on the ground (No. 32 in the NFL).
Fortunately for the Raiders Murray has solidified his role as the team’s starting half back and is already taking advantage of the limited amount of opportunities he’s had so far in the preseason.
Against Minnesota, Murray was explosive out of the backfield while also remaining patient enough for the offensive line to get to their assignments and open up running lanes. Patience in a running back is a characteristic that separates good running backs from great running backs, for dominant backs like Arian Foster and Le’Veon Bell are often praised for their patient running style in the backfield.
Murray had 20 yards and a touchdown on just his four carries in the first half against the Vikings on Saturday, thus pushing his total to 55 yards in 10 carries throughout the first two games of the preseason.
If Murray can continue to stay patient in the backfield and turn short gains into long ones with his ability to make people miss in the open field, Oakland’s offense could see vast improvements early on during the 2015 regular season.
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