When the Raiders signed Lynch, the concern was never where he’d fit on the field (he was always an upgrade at running back), but many wondered how his personality might fit in the locker room.
As it turns out, Lynch has been great in the locker room, and it’s his role with the offense that’s become concerning.
Former Chargers and Patriots safety Rodney Harrison believes the Raiders need to lean on ‘Beast Mode’ more – Lynch has only 70 carries in 6 games (11.6 carries per game).
But Lynch is only averaging 3.7 yards per carry and despite running behind one of the premier offensive lines in football, running lanes have been scarce in Oakland.
Then others believe the Raiders need to lean on Lynch less.
“I think they’re trying to figure out how to use Marshawn,” Raiders voice Greg Papa said on 95.7 The Game on Tuesday. “I think bringing an elite back in with his notoriety has kind of changed the focus of who the Raiders are. To me, they’re still Derek Carr in the shotgun, throw the ball to Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree and try to play fast.”
In theory, Papa’s case makes sense, but the Raiders offense hasn’t looked any better throwing the ball.
Only five teams have fewer passing yards and two of those teams (Miami and Buffalo) have played one less game than the Raiders.
Maybe it’s a matter of rhythm or maybe the offensive unit as a whole just doesn’t have an identity. Are the Raiders a trademark Jack Del Rio ground and pound offense (‘big boy’ football as he calls it) or are they, like Greg Papa said, a shotgun team that spreads the ball around to playmakers?
And can they be both?
Right now it seems like they’re trying to be both and accomplishing neither – and Lynch is just one of many suffering as a result.
twitter: @raidersbeat
It seems JDR has no clue on how to fix it! Why are Norton & Downing still employed?
They need to lean on Lynch more to create that play action pass and be able to throw the ball down field. This dink and dunk crap is for the birds. I’m not impressed with offensive coordinator