2018 Oakland Raiders: Early Team MVP Award predictions
By Brad Weiss
5. Marshawn Lynch
In his first season in Oakland, Marshawn Lynch was not used correctly early on, and it really hindered what his end of year statistics looked like. In fact, he was not a focal point of the offense until at least Week 10, when he carried the ball 26 times against the Denver Broncos.
Over the last six games, Lynch eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice, while nearly hitting it on one occasion. He showed great downhill running ability, and heading into 2018, you have to believe he still has a lot left in the tank.
In this new offense, Lynch is going to get every opportunity to put his stamp on every game. The Raiders have gone out and signed guys like Keith Smith and Derek Carrier, two men who love to go find someone and block downfield on running plays.
Jon Gruden loves to mash with his running backs, and Lynch has the perfect running style for what he likes to do on offense. It is not out of the realm of possibility to see Lynch tote the rock 20 times a game this season, as the Raiders try to get one more very productive season out of him.
Lynch and Gruden seem to be hitting it off this offseason, which should silence those out there who feel this would not be a good fit. Gruden has said he expects full Beast Mode this season, and that could mean on last monster season from Lynch in 2018.