Oakland Raiders: Notes and Observations From Week Three

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns cornerback Pierre Desir (26) defends during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Latavius Murray Goes Off

Over the first two weeks of the season, we didn’t see or hear much from Latavius Murray. He did well with the touches he did get, but the game plans didn’t call for him to get many. Eleven carries for 44 yards against Cincinnati. Fifteen carries for 65 yards against Baltimore. He was effective, but his lack of touches had many wondering why he wasn’t used more.

Against the Browns, OC Bill Musgrave‘s offensive game plan called for Murray to get more touches, and boy, did he deliver. Despite the fact that Murray had very little in the way of success when he ran straight at Browns’ massive defensive tackle Danny Shelton, he was more than successful everywhere else.

Live Feed

BuffaLowDown

In the game against Cleveland, Murray had as many touches as he had against Cincinnati and Baltimore combined. And he showed the Raiders that he has the ability to be the workhorse they hoped he’d be when they made him the team’s featured back. He ran with strength, power, authority, and showed tremendous field vision.

Simply put, Murray was as electric with the ball in his hands as he was in his breakout performance against the Kansas City Chiefs last season.

For the game, Murray had 26 carries for 139 yards and added a score. Murray averaged a tremendous 5.4 yards per carry. He also caught a ball out of the backfield for a ten yard gain. Murray has proven to be a valuable all around back who can run and catch the ball. He’s fast enough to outrun linebackers and strong enough to power through the line.

Murray is proving to be everything the Raiders had hoped he’d be and more.

Next: Better Than Advertised