Oakland Raiders: A Few X-Factors To Watch For Versus Indianapolis

Keep That Train Rolling

With Carr’s finger situation, Oakland has leaned heavily on their stable of running backs. And the backs have responded, helping carry the offense for a change.

Latavius Murray, seeing a few more carries these last few weeks, has really stepped up his production and made the most of his opportunities. Over the last three games, Murray has run for 266 yards and scored three times. He’s broken off some big runs and has gutted out some short ones.

Murray has been exactly what this offense needs as Carr nurses his busted up finger.

Jalen Richard has also done a nice job with his opportunities. Though his touches are more limited than Murray’s, he’s stepped up and performed well. He’s provided a solid counter and a good change of pace over the powerful, bruising Murray.

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As a combined unit, Oakland’s running backs have run for 419 yards over the last three games – an average of about 140 yards a game, which would put them among the tops in the league. They’ve also punched it in three times on the ground.

Oakland’s backs are going to have the chance to put up some big yards against the Colts. Indianapolis comes into the game with the league’s twentieth ranked run defense. Indianapolis has struggled against some of the league’s better ground games – giving up 185 yards to Houston just two weeks ago.

So the opportunities will be there for Oakland. It’s on them to take advantage of them.

With Carr’s finger still ailing, we should expect to see a heavy dose of Murray and Richard today. And given the struggles Indianapolis has had against teams with good backs – and good offensive lines – both could have a very big day.