Oakland Raiders: 12 steps towards fixing the team’s biggest problems

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden walks out to the field ahead of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 24: Chris Warren #34 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after scoring on a one yard touchdown run against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 13-6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 24: Chris Warren #34 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after scoring on a one yard touchdown run against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won the game 13-6. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Make Chris Warren the featured back in 2019

The Raiders biggest bright spot during the preseason was running back Chris Warren, who went from undrafted, to star during the four-game slate. However, the team stashed him on injured reserve with a knee issue, making him ineligible for the 2018 season, but he will be back and ready to roll in 2019.

During the preseason, Warren actually led the NFL in rushing, as he showed a solid blend of size, strength, and speed from the running back position. He also showed he could get the job done in the blocking game, and passing attack, showing the kind of three-down skills that the Raiders have lacked at the position in years.

Marshawn Lynch has been wonderful since coming to the Raiders, but there is no guarantee he is going to sign up for more years, especially with his contract expiring. It is time to give the ball to Warren in a featured role in 2019, because while it may have only been preseason, he showed he can do some incredible things with the football in his hands.

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