Oakland Raiders: Notes And Observations From Preseason Game #2
By Kevin Saito
May 19, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Trent Richardson (33) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
3. Trent Richardson‘s Chances Are Dwindling
Richardson had a sub par game against the Rams. Fairly or not, he took a lot of heat for missing a wide open hole to the endzone in favor of plowing straight into the line for a minimal gain. Fortunately for Richardson though, his main competitor for the primary backup role, Michael Dyer, had an equally bad outing, leaving both in an even competition.
That level playing field may have shifted on Saturday night, and not in Richardson’s favor. In five attempts, Richardson gained a total of five yards and flat did not look very good. He lacked explosiveness and power, and looked every bit like the running back the Browns and then the Colts couldn’t wait to get rid of.
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Given Del Rio’s statements that opportunities would be based on production, the fact that Richardson only got five carries while Dyer got a dozen seems to speak volumes. Dyer was decent, but far from spectacular, amassing just 45 yards in his 12 carries for a 3.8 yards per carry average, but he most definitely outperformed the former third overall pick. By far.
Richardson fought hard to get his weight down, and then battled pneumonia to start training camp. And because Raider fans have a fondness for reclamation projects – some of the Raider greats have been just that – Richardson has a lot of fans and support. But it’s looking more and more likely that his time in Silver and Black – and perhaps even in the NFL – is coming to an end because he can’t seem to utilize his talent and potential.
It’s not set in stone yet of course, but Dyer seems to have moved ahead of Richardson in the pecking order of Oakland’s running backs. It will be interesting to see how the carries are distributed when the Raiders square off against the Cardinals next Sunday.
Next: Solid Run Stuffers