Through two games, the Raiders’ running game hasn’t been what the team would like it to be. Oakland came into the season believing it had an impact running back in Latavius Murray, yet Murray has just 26 carries for 109 yards.
On Sunday in Cleveland (10 a.m. kickoff), that could change.
The Browns have the NFL’s worst run defense, having surrendered 320 yards rushing in two games.
It figures that Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave will be calling Murray’s number early and often to run the football, establish some momentum and provide some balance for an offense that has far more passes (89) than rushes (35).
The Browns, meanwhile, know they have to close those big holes, or Murray and the Raiders could control the ball all day. Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil said his unit has made progress on stopping rushes up the middle of the field, but is still working to contain the outside.
O’Neil told reporters that he sees progress, even if the numbers don’t reflect it.
“I see us going the right way with it,” he said. “I see things on tape that are going to lead us to having a successful game against the rush.”
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Murray, meanwhile, has been making a big contribution to the offense even when he hasn’t been taking handoffs. He has 10 catches out of the backfield for 58 yards. His ability to catch the ball means he’s capable of being a three-down back.
Murray told the media that he loves getting the ball any way he can. If it’s not taking a handoff, he’s fine being used as a receiver.
“I like it because it creates more opportunities,” said Murray. “It gives me another chance to help with the ball in my hands.”
Both teams come into the game at 1-1, but oddsmakers have made the Browns 4½-point favorites.
Josh McCown returns from injury to start at quarterback for Cleveland, with Johnny Manziel returning to the sideline. But the biggest threat offensively for the Browns may be wide receiver-kick returner Travis Benjamin, who last week had two touchdown catches and a 78-yard punt return.
This will be the Raiders’ first road game, and the road hasn’t been a happy place for Oakland in recent years. The team has dropped 16 straight games played in the Eastern time zone, dating to 2009, and 11 straight away from O.co Coliseum, dating to 2013.
Oakland quarterback Derek Carr is coming off perhaps the best game of his career, a comeback victory over the Ravens in which he threw for a career-best 351 yards.
