DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard are little backs with big-play ability.
As rookies in 2016, the two running backs played secondary roles behind No. 1 running back Latavius Murray. Headed into 2017, they’ll likely play complementary roles again behind starter Marshawn Lynch.
But as a story on SB Nation noted recently, the impact of Richard and Washington on the Raiders offense shouldn’t be underestimated. When the two touch the ball, they make things happen.
Richard had 83 carries for 491 yards and a 5.9-yard average per run. Washington had 87 rushes for 467 yards and a 5.4 average. Richard had 29 catches for 194 yards and a 6.7-yard average. Washington had 17 receptions for 115 yards and a 6.8 average. Richard also led the team in punt returns, with 34 for a 9-yard average.
Now, as cited by SB Nation, the analytic website Pro Football Focus has shown how dangerous both running backs are when they get the football.
Richard ranked No. 1 in the NFL in 2016 in “elusive rating,” which measures how well a ballcarrier performs beyond the point when he can be helped by his blockers. Richard, who is 5-foot-8 and 207 pounds, led all NFL backs (who had at least 80 carries) in rushing average.
Washington, who is 5-foot-8 and 204 pounds, led all NFL backs in breakaway run percentage, according to PFF. That’s the measure of how many of a ballcarrier’s yards come on runs of 15 or more yards. More than 37 percent of Washington’s yards were gained on such carries.
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The duo will provide a great change-of-pace behind Lynch, the hard-running battering ram who will start in 2017 after a year in retirement.
“With both Richard and Washington averaging over 5 yards per carry, they will continue to get opportunities to contribute,” noted SB Nation. “Having a three-running back rotation will keep them all fresh and the defense on (its) heels.”
