Just Blog Baby
FanSided

5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 6

By Pete Hernandez III

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Derek Carr #4 and Johnny Townsend #5 congratulate Matt McCrane #3 of the Oakland Raiders after McCrane kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Derek Carr #4 and Johnny Townsend #5 congratulate Matt McCrane #3 of the Oakland Raiders after McCrane kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 15: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 15: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes with the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 15, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Don Feria/Getty Images) /

Less Martin, more Richard

The Doug Martin experiment may be coming to an end in Oakland, and that’s a good thing. While the primary reason may be due to the fact that the Raiders were trailing by double digits, Jalen Richard logged 26 snaps while Martin played just six on the day. Oakland needs a change-of-pace back that can compliment Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Martin simply doesn’t fit the bill: Richard does.

Last week against the Chargers Richard had six catches for 53 yards and a carry for 4 yards. Simply put Richard has a skill for escapability, and if the Raiders offense has a tendency to get stagnant then they’ll need a player with Richard’s skill set to have a chance at making a big play out of nothing.

Martin had his chance and he’ll most likely still come in for a few snaps throughout the season, but Richard has proven himself to be the true #2 running back for this offense. Look for him to get a healthy amount of snaps in London which could help the Raiders come home with a victory.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News