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Oakland Raiders Week 5 X-Factors against the Chicago Bears

By Matt Holder

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Demarcus Robinson #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Gareon Conley #21 and Curtis Riley #35 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Demarcus Robinson #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Gareon Conley #21 and Curtis Riley #35 of the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Jalen Richard

The Redskins and Vikings had limited success moving the ball against the Bears defense, but both teams found success throwing the ball to its running backs. Chris Thompson hauled in four catches for 79 yards against Chicago, and Minnesota’s backfield tallied 12 receptions for 59 yards in last week’s matchup. If there is a weakness to the Monsters of the Midway 2.0, it is running backs in the passing game.

Richard was targeted 81 times last season, but is on pace for only 28 this year. The back’s under utilization is a bit of a head scratcher because he managed seven and half yards per target in 2018. It’s time for Jon Gruden to design some plays with the four-year veteran in mind, and this matchup against the Bears is the perfect opportunity.

Similar to Moreau, Richard can be a big factor with check-down passes and the speedy back can turn on the jets for a few big plays. Look for Carr to dump the ball off to number 30 and rack up some easy passing yards on Sunday.

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