One Raiders Assistant Coach You Need to Know
For most fans, the coaching attention rests with the head coach and coordinators. Yet, position coaches play an important role in the development of players. For instance, Raiders running backs coach Bernie Parmalee will have one of the toughest jobs on the team in 2017. All of a sudden, a mostly anonymous position coach needs to craft a solid running game. With this in mind, here’s why Parmalee will succeed.
Background: Most diehard fans should remember Parmalee as an eight-year RB for the Dolphins and Jets. More importantly, the manner in which he landed in the NFL matters most. Parmalee, undrafted out of Ball State, worked at UPS. Until, he decided to attend a tryout in Miami. Consequently, he played with that chip on his shoulder that never vanished.
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When others enjoyed more money and premium draft status, Parmalee clawed his way onto the team. It stands to reason that he’s able to relate so well to his group. Olawale and Richard went undrafted. Plus, Washington heard his name called in the fifth round. Whenever Parmalee speaks, these players can relate to him. He was also an afterthought, initially overlooked by teams.
Style: As a running back, teams considered him undersized and unable to absorb punishment. This mirrors what experts claim about Washington and Richard. Both are smaller backs that possess shake but lack the power to finish tackles. Parmalee’s influence starts with intensive film study, which he’s known for. Running with power knows no boundaries. Washington and Richard won’t run over defenders, but they create power by using speed. To put it another way, when running in traffic, the speed creates a lean that allows them to glance off tacklers.
Big Back Search: Sooner or later, the Raiders will employ a bigger back to gain the tough yards. Whether it’s the draft or whatever low-cost free agent remaining, a third back is a must. One of Parmalee’s tasks is to incorporate a larger RB into the system. For the past three years, Latavius Murray served in that role. Emerging as a sixth-round pick means, Reggie McKenzie may not spend a higher pick on a rusher. So, who’s left?
One name that jumps to mind is Wyoming RB Brian Hill. Hill is a between-the-tackles brute with just enough burst to inflict damage downfield.
In the final analysis, Bernie Parmalee is a perfect fit for the hard-nosed, physical Raiders style. At the same time, his savvy and attention to detail is the key. While Oakland heavily depends on the arm of Derek Carr, a brutal running game will win games.
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