Oakland Raiders: 5 Of The Team’s Biggest X-Factors In 2015
By Kevin Saito
Oct 6, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) runs with the ball as Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jeron Johnson (23) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. The Seahawks won27-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
It’s rare these days, to see a player who wants to play in Oakland. At least, that’s what the media would have you believe. In fact, a number of players are excited to be playing in Oakland, but perhaps none moreso than Roy Helu.
The former Washington running back signed with the Raiders this offseason and didn’t attract nearly the sort of attention other free agent signings did. But Helu is ecstatic to be playing with the Raiders. In a recent interview, he said:
"“This is the most excited I’ve been to play football in the NFL thus far. I could have gone to any team and the Raiders showed enough interest where I felt really comfortable to play here. It feels nice to be wanted.”"
Helu is excited to be playing for Musgrave and in a system that has helped some running backs flourish. And he’s excited because he’s going to be an integral part of the offensive system who will see plenty of action.
Helu is an accomplished pass catcher out of the backfield who is going to become Carr’s best friend sooner rather than later. Having a back as versatile as Helu will enable Carr to check down to him if nothing else is open, and he can do so confident that the shifty running back is going to pick up some yards.
In 2014, on a pretty bad Washington offense, Helu 11.4 yards per catch (42 receptions, 477 yards) and he also compiled a respectable 5.4 yards per carry, though he did not get many touches.
Trent Richardson and Latavius Murray are expected to battle it out to be the team’s featured back, but Helu is going to be just as important as Oakland’s big running backs. His speed and versatility make him a weapon out of the backfield, and somebody who adds another dimension to a Raider offense that is suddenly full of them.
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