We have to hope that running back Marshawn Lynch will have more than seven carries at home this week versus the Cowboys. There was no reason that he had fewer than 15 touches in a divisional rivalry game on the road versus Kansas City. Lynch had been instrumental in the Raiders’ turnaround before ultimately falling to the Chiefs at Arrowhead last week.
Since this will be the last home game for the Raiders this regular season, you better believe that unpopular offensive coordinator Todd Downing will want to pound the rock with Beast Mode in his native Oakland. There is no reason that Lynch can’t go for over 100 yards in this game. This could be the last time he plays football in the Bay Area for all we know.
Yes, the Cowboys have an outstanding middle linebacker in Sean Lee, but Lee is tremendously injury prone. If Lynch runs with the power we’re all accustomed to, he could make life difficult for Lee and the Cowboys’ run defense. By leaning on Lynch, it will hopefully open up better passing lanes for Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr.
Week 14 was a most frustrating week for the Raiders offense. Since Lynch only had eight touches in the ball game (seven carries, one reception), he should be very fresh for this primetime showdown with the Cowboys. Though is performance against the New York Giants in Week 13 was his best game of the year, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for Lynch to top it on Sunday night.