Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Cleveland Browns

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) is defended by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) in the first quarter as at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Feed the Beast

Over the first two weeks of the season, the Browns have proven to be susceptible to the run. They gave up 154 yards on the ground to the Jets and 166 yards on the ground to the Titans. Cleveland’s run defense is so porous that even Dexter McCluster very nearly had a 100 yard rushing game.

It’s obvious that the Browns are having some trouble stopping the run. It’s an advantage the Raiders need to take advantage of in a big way. Latavius Murray and Taiwan Jones have been effective when called upon, but by and large, they’ve both been non-factors in the first two games.

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It’s understandable that Bill Musgrave tailored his offensive game plan to account for the fact that both Cincinnati and Baltimore have above average run defenses. But Cleveland so far, does not. They have been getting gashed on the ground and gashed badly.

This should be the week that Musgrave turns Murray loose and lets him run wild over Cleveland. Murray has power, speed, has a fantastic burst, and terrific field vision. He’s also averaging better than four yards a carry in limited duty so far this season.

A steady diet of Murray, followed by flashes of the speedster Jones, should soften up Cleveland’s defense to allow the passing game to be that much more effective. Murray should get upwards of 20 carries this game and will very likely yield very positive results against a porous run defense.

Next: Play With That Swagger