The Oakland Raiders’ Running Back Committee Has Proven To Be Invaluable

Among the bright spots of the Oakland Raiders’ season was the efficiency of their running back committee. As the offseason begins, this fact proves that the Silver and Black should be ready to let Latavius Murray walk if need be. 

The Oakland Raiders have a plethora of weapons on offense that should make fans excited for the future. Derek Carr has proven both to be clutch and a legitimate MVP candidate, and the likes of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree force opposing defenses into a game of “pick your poison” in the passing game.

While many like to include Latavius Murray as part of the Raiders’ offensive trifecta, in reality the running game for the Silver and Black was most effective when their trio in the backfield was properly utilized.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

Murray led the Raiders in rushing yards and touchdowns with 788 yards and 12 scores on the season, and is without a doubt their most impressive halfback in terms of pure talent. However, he managed to eclipse 100 yards rushing in just two of his 14 games played this season. To be a three-down back for Oakland hinges on consistency throughout the season. Consistency from the running back position is especially important to create opportunities for the passing game.

Even when Murray was inconsistent, Oakland’s running game didn’t seem to falter thanks to the emergence of both Jalen Richard and Deandre Washington. These two change-of-pace running backs proved to be difference makers for Oakland. Richard’s 84-yard rushing performance sparked Oakland’s comeback win in week one against the Saints, and Washington’s breakout performance against the Colts sealed a win in week 16.

Murray, Richard, and Washington as a running back trio helped revitalize the ground game for Oakland. The Raiders should acknowledge this group effort and work to retain this advantage. Richard and Washington may not turn out to be star replacements, and a running back committee may anger the fantasy football world, but Raider nation should appreciate how the change-of-pace keeps opposing defenses on their toes.

While Murray has the size, skill, and potential to be the Raiders’ premier halfback, last season’s overall performance and his age should convince Oakland to proceed with caution in terms of retaining him. Murray is 27 years old, and unfortunately as a running back in the NFL, he’s nearing the back end of his prime.

For an organization like the Oakland Raidersm who have just begun to emerge from their decade-long slump, they must look at allocating cap space to the true cornerstones of their franchise. Carr and Khalil Mack are the ultimate priority, and the Raiders must take a long look at other areas of improvement, like their secondary or adding an additional pass rusher.

Next: Raiders May Regret Letting Murray Walk

This is not to say that Murray does not deserve to be retained, it simply insinuates that the Raiders must not overpay for only limited efficiency. It’s one of the mistakes that has hindered the Silver and Black in the past, and at this time the Raiders must make smart decisions to move forwards, not backwards.