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Why the Raiders missed Latavius Murray against the Chargers

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA;  Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) tackles Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns free safety Tashaun Gipson (39) tackles Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

With all of the excitement surrounding the two rookie running backs for the Oakland Raiders, many, myself included, assumed that the run game would be just fine with out Latavius Murray this past weekend. It wasn’t a horrible day as DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard and Jamize Olawale fared about as well as anyone else who has tried to run on San Diego’s rather stout run defense.

But at the same time, you couldn’t help but feel that if the Raiders had a more physical back in the game, it would have made a difference.


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No, Murray wasn’t going to turn that game from a close one into a blowout, but he may have helped the offense find more success. Richard and Washington have proven that their size, or lack thereof, does not hinder them from getting yards or even blocking. But one thing is for sure, no matter how much they would like to deliver punishing blows, that’s just not happening. Olawale has the physique to be that kind of punishing back, but he doesn’t have the talent to be a guy you’re handing the ball off to 10 or more times in a game.

And perhaps the most surprising thing about writing this piece is that if you asked me a year ago where the Raiders were getting their power run game from, I never would have guessed Murray. Before this season, one of the biggest knocks on Murray was that he had the size to be physical but ran like a finesse back.

But Murray heard the criticism loud and clear and came out this year with “Angry Tay” an alter ego that lowers his shoulder and delivers the boom rather than receiving it. Murray is breaking tackles, making defenders miss and punishing people while he does it. That may not be as sexy as the home run touchdown run that Richard had but the violent punishment that Murray delivers cannot be undervalued.

That kind of physical play sends a message to the opposing defense while also tiring them out. It’s an additional facet to the offense that makes the defense need to think more and rest more. It clearly didn’t cost the Raiders a win, but moving forward to this year and beyond, it’s clear the team will do better with a physical back to compliment the smaller rookies.

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