There has been a lot of talk after the Oakland Raiders’ offseason work that new running back Doug Martin will take on a bigger role than originally expected when the team brought him in earlier this offseason. Martin, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star who has swooned the past two years, has looked refreshed in
A perfect Raiders running back rotation
I think the coaching staff also limited Lynch’s carries to “save” him last year. I can see Gruden doing more to establish the run earlier in the game (before the team gets behind) than the prior staff. Doing so will also help set up play action which the prior staff seemed to be allergic to last year. I think that Martin may get his carries at first, but have a feeling that he will not impress and will ultimately lose carries to the “other” group.
Hard to argue.
During his last oakland stint, Gruden started with “RB by committee’ (Wheatley, Kaufmann) – I see (Lynch, Martin) in a similar light and roles. Kevin Smith is the “Jon Ritchie” – primarily lead blocker, maybe occasional receiver.
My concern is durability of the starters. Lynch didn’t get dinged last year, but don’t know if his luck can hold out. Martin is 29, but hasn’t had a heavy load the past two seasons, and hasn’t had any serious lower body injuries. The 2nd level backs – not sure how much they’ll contribute. Richard/Washington looked promising a few years ago, but were “eh” last year.
If Lynch and Martin can stay relatively healthy, I believe they’ll have a solid running game.
Washington or Richard might be cut
Can’t keep them all