Oakland Raiders: A Closer Look At Some Concerning Numbers

4.4 and 4.5

This past offseason, the Titans did a really nice job of upgrading their ground game. Which was a good idea, given that their ground game ranked twenty-fifth in the league last year.

This season, behind DeMarco Murray and rookie Derrick Henry, their ground game is much improved, moving all the way up to thirteenth in the league. What’s more, behind their two headed monster in the backfield, the Titans could potentially climb up that ladder even higher.

They of course, need better play along the offensive line to start with if they hope to make that a reality, but it’s very possible.

For the year, the Titans are averaging a modest 4.4 yards per carry. Murray though, leads the team with an average per carry of 5.2 yards. Though it hasn’t been seen yet, both he and Henry have the potential to explode at any given moment.

For the season, the Raiders are giving up 4.5 yards per carry to the opposition. Not a terrible number in this day and age, but certainly not a great one either. And it’s a number Oakland is going to have to work on bringing down.

Given that Tennessee doesn’t utilize the run a whole bunch – they have just 46 attempts on the season – it’s important that the Raiders minimize the impact of their running backs. It’s vital that Oakland’s run defense neutralize Murray and Henry and force Mariota to make plays.

If the Raiders can make Murray and Henry non-factors and force Tennessee to become a one dimensional team behind Mariota, they’ll stand a much better chance of snagging a win. If they can keep Tennessee below four yards a carry, they will likely be in very good shape.