Oakland Raiders on the rise, but defense needs change

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) is defended by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) in the first quarter as at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Murray Ready

After having a breakout game last year, running back Latavius Murray is ready to have a breakout season. Last year, he showed he had the vision to cut back and the speed to finish in the end-zone. But after looking at some tape on him, he was easy to bring down, not breaking any tackles or making anyone miss.

This year, that vision and speed is the same but he is breaking tackles, leading to yards after contact. And in space, he’s making guys miss to show us all that he’s been working on his game this offseason. The only problem so far this season is that he isn’t getting the ball much like the bell-cow he’s supposed to and ready to be.

Against the Bengals in the first game, the Raiders obviously couldn’t run it when they were down by so much. But I thought the Raiders should have run it more and controlled the game Sunday. I can’t argue with the result however, at some point and I’m thinking it’s next Sunday, the Raiders are going to have to get Murray going.

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