On The Run: Oakland Raiders Key To Success
By Maliik Obee
The Oakland Raiders have to establish the run if they hope to defeat the Denver Broncos in Week 9.
In a matchup for first place as well as bragging rights over the AFC West, the 6-2 Oakland Raiders face a tough home matchup against the Broncos.
The 2015 Denver Broncos were one of the most impeding units in NFL history, single-handedly carrying aging quarterback Peyton Manning off into the sunset. Denver ranked in the Top 5 in plenty of defensive categories and led the league in several others. The same can be said of this season, leading the way for the 6-2 Broncos, taking the strain off lackluster quarterback Trevor Siemian.
Oakland has a superior pass attack, spearheaded by quarterback Derek Carr. Ranked No. 5 in yards per game (401.6), Carr has managed to lead Oakland to several comeback victories on the road. While the offense is flourishing, the defense is still a work in progress, allowing 410.4 yards per game (31st).
While Denver’s defense can seem impregnable, there are chinks in their armor. In the bible of battle, better known as Sun Tzu’s Art Of War, a quote sticks out.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
That opportunity lies within Denver’s horrid run defense, which has allowed 939 yards on the ground (25th). Denver is No.18 in yards allowed per carry at 4.3. The Broncos have allowed six rushes of 20 or more yards (T-25th) and two of 40 or more yards (T-3rd).
Oakland has rushed for 932 yards (5th), garnering 8 touchdowns (T-9th) and 9 rushes of 20 yards or more (T-2nd).
Pro Bowl running back Latavius Murray has led the way with 279 yards and 5 touchdowns. Rookie running backs Jalen Richard and DeaNdre Washington have combined for another 484 yards and a touchdown. Throw in another 2 touchdowns by bruising fullback Jamize Olawale, and you have one of the premiere backfields in the game.
The true crime of it all, is that none of the Raiders backs have hit the 100-yard mark in a game thus far. While Murray garnered 1066 yards on the ground in his 2015 Pro Bowl campaign, he only rushed for more than 100 yards twice. Thus far this season, Murray has seen a cutback in carries, but it has worked out for the better of the team.
It may be time to reconsider that in this matchup, as the Raiders have been more successful when Murray has a great game. In Murray’s three-year career, the Raiders are 7-3 when he rushes for more than 75 yards.
With a bruising offensive line that added tackle Kelechi Osemele in 2016 free agency, the Raiders backfield can only improve. Oakland’s backs have been more than careful with the pigskin, fumbling just twice (T-23rd).
While Derek Carr will be out to prove that he is an elite quarterback against the definition of an elite defense, offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave should consider increasing the workload for his backfield. In Denver’s two losses to the San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons, the Broncos allowed more than 120 yards rushing.
If Oakland can take it up a notch from its average of 116.5 yards per game on the ground, Denver may be in for a long night.