Oakland Raiders: A Few Pros and Cons To Dealing For Marshawn Lynch

PRO: He Could Potentially Elevate The Offense Even Higher

While Derek Carr and the passing game deserve a ton of credit for Oakland’s offensive success last year (although, that offensive line deserves the lion’s share of credit), the effectiveness of the ground game played a tremendous role as well.

And although he doesn’t get the sort of credit he deserves from certain segments of the fanbase, it was a running game spearheaded by Latavius Murray that proved to be so effective.

But let’s be real – Marshawn Lynch cuts a far more imposing figure than Murray ever did. Or possibly ever will. Lynch is still a name that strikes fear into the hearts of defenders who would be tasked with bringing him down. He’s a physical, punishing running back and seems to relish the opportunity to put somebody on their back just as much as he does to put the ball in the endzone.

Though big and physical in his own right, Murray wasn’t on the same level as Lynch in dishing out more punishment than he received.

And because he is who he is, defenses are going to have to account for him and Oakland’s ground game even more. Though the running game was potent and effective behind the trio of Murray, Washington, and Richard, it would be something entirely different behind Lynch, Washington, and Richard.

For opposing defenses, it very well could be a nightmare.

Lynch’s gravitas will make opposing DC’s stand up and take even more notice, commit more men to stopping the run, which will open things up even further in the passing game. With Lynch running behind that line – along with a plethora of weapons – Oakland’s offense could be simply incredible this season.

Nothing is done and nothing is final yet. And reports are wildly all over the place regarding how close the Raiders and Lynch are to actually getting something done and in place. But the general consensus seems to be that a deal is going to get done and we are going to be seeing Lynch in Silver and Black.

And looking at it in plain black and white, as long as he has something left in the tank, the “pro” side of that ledger is going to far outweigh the “con” side of it.