Coming into this season, no one quite knew what to expect from Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray. He sure looks liked a feature running back, what with his 6-foot-3 and 230 pound frame. But could a guy with just 82 career carries really carry the load all by himself? Unfortunately, five games into the season and we still aren't sure what the answer to that question is.
ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson lists Murray as the team's biggest remaining question mark.
"Murray has been taken out of the game the past two weeks in the second half," Williamson wrote. "Yes, he is dealing with a shoulder injury, but coach Jack Del Rio has said he was available to play. Murray was great at Cleveland in Week 3, gaining 139 yards. But he has been somewhat inconsistent since. The Raiders are giving more carries to other backs, starting with Roy Helu. There is no question Murray is their best, most talented back. The question is: Is he ready to be a top option?"
Overall, Murray has carried the ball 80 times for 336 yards (4.2 YPC) and two touchdowns. He's also caught 17 receptions for 98 yards. Those numbers are in no way terrible, but they don't reflect the full scope of Oakland's struggles on the ground.
The Raiders rank just 26th in total rushing yards (450), 27th in rush yards per game (90.0), 20th in YPC (4.0) and 20th in rushing touchdowns (2). Not all of that can be attributed to Murray, of course, but he does now have two straight games in which he has failed to top 50 yards or 3.3 yards per carry.
Jack Del Rio has said he still has confidence in Murray and he should; it's clear that he's got some talent. But will the young ball carrier ever be ready to be the top option? That remains to be seen.
