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Oakland Raiders: 5 keys to victory vs. Dallas Cowboys in Week 15

By John Buhler

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to pass against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 10: Running back Marshawn Lynch No. 24 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball as outside linebacker Frank Zombo No. 51 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 10: Running back Marshawn Lynch No. 24 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball as outside linebacker Frank Zombo No. 51 of the Kansas City Chiefs defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Get back to running the football with Marshawn Lynch.

Marshawn Lynch had seven carries last week versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Seven! That’s it! He had a catch out of the backfield as well, but only eight total touches certainly didn’t cut it versus Kansas City in a terrible losing effort by the Raiders. Oakland needs to pound the rock with Beast Mode to win, period.

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By Lynch getting close to 20 carries, it will do a bunch of wonderful things for the Raiders as a team. It will help the team dominate time of possession and keep the chains moving in a positive direction. Lynch’s punishing running style is at its best late in the game when defensive linemen and linebackers begin to tire.

Having Lynch approach 100 all-purpose yards will provide the balance Derek Carr will need to be successful at quarterback on Sunday. Even the offensive line might enjoy mauling the opposition with a physical approach to the ground game. Lynch needs to have a big game for the Raiders to win on Sunday in primetime.

Next: Raiders: 5 matchups to watch vs. Cowboys in Week 15

If we look at the stats sheet at halftime and Lynch has four or five carries, the Raiders aren’t going to get it done versus the Cowboys. Lynch is at his best as a volume runner, imposing his will on the opposition with his one-of-a-kind rushing attack. Though he doesn’t have to be the best player on the field on Sunday, Lynch will need one of his best games to beat the Cowboys. Oakland is counting on him.

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