Oakland Raiders: Keys To Victory Over Detroit Lions
By Kevin Saito
Nov 8, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Mike Mitchell (23) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The Run? Yeah, Do That
Behind Latavius Murray, the Raiders had been putting together a very solid, very respectable run game. Murray even led the AFC in rushing at one point, and was sixth in the entire NFL. That run game though, like their run defense, completely evaporated last week.
Granted, the Raiders were behind and had to pass a little bit more than they probably would have liked. But Murray finished the day with 48 yards rushing on 12 carries – the 4.0 yards per carry almost a full yard below his season average at the time.
The Lions have one of the league’s worst run defenses and the Raiders would do really, really well to try and exploit that. Getting the big, powerful Murray off to a good start – and then blending in the lightning fast Taiwan Jones as a change of pace back – will get the Lions back on their heels.
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And an effective running game can only benefit the passing game.
If the Lions are having to worry about a potent rushing attack, they won’t be able to devote all their time and energy to focusing on Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. They’ll have to devote time and resources to stopping Oakland’s ground game.
With just 84 total yards on the ground last week, the Raiders posted one of their worst performances running the ball yet this season. They are going to need to turn that around and get Murray some carries to help set the tone early.
Next: Up The Intensity