Step Up: Raiders RB Looks To Fill Void
This last offseason, the Raiders made a splash in free-agency by signing big-ticket and recently retired running-back Marshawn Lynch. Coming off a year in which Lynch produced 3.8 ypc and only had 111 attempts in 7 games before succumbing to a back injury, Lynch was obviously worn down from his usage and his grinding running style. Some much-needed time off was supposedly just what the doctor ordered. Though, through 7 games this season, it seems Lynch is more the rule than the exception when talking about aging running backs, which puts a focus on the other running backs in the stable to produce.
One running back in particular shined when Lynch, in the heat of the moment, decided to run on the field and defend his cousin, who had just illegally hit the Raiders’ cornerstone quarterback. As a result, that earned Lynch a one game suspension. From that moment on, the Raiders turned to 2nd year running back DeAndre Washington to carry the rock the rest of the game. Washington is a tad undersized for the volume of a grinder like Lynch being 5’8” and 199lbs according to Profootballreference.com.
Interestingly, at Texas Tech Washington’s usage grew every year into a workhorse back more so the latter half of his college career, going from 77 attempts his freshman year to 233 his senior year. Piling up 3411 throughout his tenure there, and exploding for 14 rushing touchdowns his senior year as well. He also accrued over 1000 receiving yards. He is a true dual-threat running back, perfectly adept to today’s NFL usage. The only knock on him is his size, as I said before.
During the game against Kansas City, Washington filled in for Marshawn Lynch very nicely. Washington showed great leg drive on his touchdown run. The Raiders elected to call-up Elijah Hood, a rookie from North Carolina. Hood has a similar build to Lynch, so expect to see him in a 2-down role. If Hood can’t find the lanes, I suspect the Raiders will turn to Washington quickly and utilize him in both the running and passing attack. As Washington settles in, look for him to get more comfortable.
