When it comes to the Oakland Raiders, a solid running game is lacking. The end of the 2015 season saw Latavius Murray jump on the scene. However, in 2016 he did not live up to the hype of those final weeks. They drafted DeAndre Washington in the fifth round of last year’s draft. He was not healthy in 2016. Now there are multiple reports tying the Raiders to Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch. Which back would be a better fit for their offense? Let us look at that below.
Marshawn Lynch
Lynch is a 10-year veteran of the NFL. He has played with two teams in his career, Buffalo Bills, and Seattle Seahawks. After the 2015 season, he surprisingly “retired” from playing football. He spent the 2016 season watching the game. Now after a year away he is considering his return.
Lynch, who is from Oakland, CA, would love to play for his hometown team, the Oakland Raiders. At this time, however, the Seattle Seahawks own his right. There would have to be an agreement between the Seahawks and Lynch for his release. The Raiders and Seahawks could also work out a trade. The latter is less likely.
The Raiders could use Marshawn Lynch and his abusing running style. Presumably, the Raiders have one of the best offensive lines in football. In fact, the recent losses suffered by the Dallas Cowboys along their line could play towards the Raiders being the best. Lynch would not have to work as hard, creating his own holes, such as he had to do in Seattle.
The downfall to Marshawn Lynch with the Raiders is his pass catching ability. There is no doubt that Marshawn is a solid runner but he lacks a great pair of hands. Hands are somewhat of a need in the Oakland Raiders offense. A three down back would be ideal for this offense. However, they do have Jalen Richard if they choose to go with Lynch.
Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson is definitely more finesse over power. Acquiring his talents would allow the Raiders more of an outside run game. Peterson does have surprising power between the tackles, however.
Peterson is still in the prime of his career. Although he has suffered a couple of injuries the past couple of season, he recovers from them tremendously. Sometimes, he seems to be a better back than he was before the injury.
The Raiders would be wise to look at signing AP. He is a complete back. As stated previously he has speed and power. What many do not know is that he has a good pair of hands. Peterson can catch the ball in the flat and go the distance afterward. He would ultimately give Derek Carr another weapon. Moreover, if the Raiders wanted AP to take a play-off they still have Washington and Richard.
Either RB would fit into the Raiders offensive scheme. The question is how the Raiders want to attack. Are they a power, run-first offense? Are they an outside, zone run-pass offense? No matter which back they choose, they re-establish a dominance long missing from Oakland. They also re-establish a Commitment to Excellence!
Who would you like to see the Raiders sign? You can leave a comment below.
Follow Sean on Twitter – @NFLINSC or on Instagram – @NFLINSC.