The Raiders didn’t have the firepower to consistently drive down the field with explosive plays. Benson Mayowa’s 40-yard fumble recovery put the Raiders offense on the Chargers' three-yard line late in the fourth quarter:
Earlier in the season, the Raiders couldn’t win games with an inefficient passing offense. Now, they’ve earned two gritty victories within the last three outings. Oakland’s ability to win ugly provides another formula for success as the team progresses.
The Raiders’ flashy passing attack has appeared on SportsCenter highlights and stirred excitement in the Bay Area, but an improved defense will propel this team into playoff contention in the upcoming seasons.
Commitment to Excellence: Latavius Murray
Running back Latavius Murray should relish in his accomplisment, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards in his third season.
Let’s consider Murray’s progression as a ball-carrier through his career.
He missed his entire rookie campaign with an ankle injury. In 2014, he earned significant snaps in the second half of the season as a raw talent. Now, he’s the third-leading ball-carrier in the league, and the AFC’s leading rusher with 1,035 yards on the ground.
Typically, Murray fizzles out in the second half of games due to his heavy workload. He ranks third in rush attempts (255), which explains his drop-off in production as the game progresses. It also highlights the importance of a solid No. 2 running back.
Murray put the Raiders offense on his back in the first half, churning out chunks of yardage against the Chargers’ aggressive front seven. His contributions as ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
