Oakland Raiders: A Few Reasons For Optimism, A Few Reasons for Concern

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May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running backs DeAndre Washington (33) and Latavius Murray (28) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Concern: Question Marks in the Running Game

Last season, Oakland had some problems with the running game. In his first season as Oakland’s lead back, Latavius Murray did well. His 1,066 yards made him the first Raiders running back to break the 1,000 yard mark since 2010. It also ranked him second in the AFC and sixth league-wide.

That being said, Oakland’s running game was often more of a liability than an asset. The primary reason for the power outage in the running game was the fact that Murray had zero help in the backfield. Running a close second though, was a lack of creativity in how Murray was used.

Racking up just 91 yards per game, the Raiders ranked twenty-eighth in the league. Simply put, if the Raiders are going to succeed on offense this season, they are going to need a solid boost from their running game.

If defenses have to worry about the potential threat from Oakland’s ground game, it will free up Carr and company to make some plays through the air. A potent running attack is only going to make the passing game better.

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The Raiders are hoping that they addressed the problem by taking Texas Tech’s Deandre Washington in the fifth round of this year’s draft.

Washington is the polar opposite of Murray and that could be a good thing. Where Murray is big (6’3”, 230 lbs) and is more of a one-cut and go style runner, Washington is small (5’8”, 190 lbs.) and is elusive and shifty.

Murray isn’t going to make many people miss in the open field – he’s more likely going to either run by or through them. But Washington will be able to use his size to his advantage and make a lot of people miss. The rookie has the stature and bearing of a young Maurice Jones-Drew – and if he’s anywhere near as productive, Oakland’s ground game is going to be in terrific shape.

But until we see how Washington performs – and whether or not OC Bill Musgrave can use his backs more effectively – there are a million question marks surrounding the unit. And it remains as something the team and fans should be concerned with.

Next: Change Not Always A Good Thing

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