Oakland Raiders: Things Worth Keeping An Eye On Against Dallas

Zeke

Ezekiel Elliott was, hands down, one of the most electrifying running backs in the entire league last season. And along with Dak Prescott, he ignited this Cowboys offense, taking it to highs it hasn’t been in a little while.

As a rookie, Elliott rushed for 1,631 yards – sporting a healthy 5.1 yard per carry average – and scored 15 touchdowns. And just for good measure, he added on another touchdown and 363 receiving yards to his gaudy first-year totals.

Even though he’s staring at a six-game suspension (for now), the Raiders will see Elliott later on this season when the Cowboys come to the East Bay in mid-December. But until his suspension – however many games it ends up being – takes effect, Elliott is free to participate with his team in both practice and exhibition contests.

Which means, he’ll be in the lineup against this Raiders defense.

It will be a good test for Oakland’s run defense and will serve to illustrate to them, where they are in terms of development as a unit. The Raiders run defense last season ranked twenty-third in the league, giving up nearly 118 yards on the ground per game.

They’ve made some changes to this unit and are looking to be a more formidable run-stopping, pass rushing unit. And against Elliott and Dallas’ offensive line – which along with Oakland’s, was one of the very best in the league last season – are a very good test for them to see where they’re at.