Retooling the running back stable might not appear to be a priority for the Las Vegas Raiders but it does need attention. Adding Todd Gurley could give them a true one-two punch with Josh Jacobs.
The Raiders need to address several matters in order to reestablish a dominant run game this upcoming season. The offensive line’s interior has question marks, in fact, there could be some changes at guard this offseason. Figuring out who will be the starting guards in 2021 is only the first step, and the Raiders also need to get Jacobs some help.
Devontae Booker had his moments but it wasn’t enough to warrant a new contract? Also, Jalen Richard’s production dropped off so much last year, and retaining his services might not make sense financially. The Silver and Black need a true number two option behind Jacobs and Gurley’s exactly that.
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Why should the Raiders consider Gurley?
The six-foot-one, 224-pound Georgia product can still run the ball even if he’s no longer the player from 2018. The Raiders don’t need him to be that superstar, rather, they need someone who can lighten the load for Jacobs. Gurley would get his touches, maybe an average of ten per game considering what happened last year with the Falcons. He accumulated less than 10 carries in the last six games after having 20-plus carries in both Weeks 6 and 7.
Gurley definitely showed signs of age and previous injuries catching up to him. This eventually happens to all running backs especially when you consider Gurley has 1,460 career rushing attempts.
Vintage Todd Gurley
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) October 11, 2020
If the Raiders can properly manage his workload, Gurley could be of help. He showed he hasn’t lost too much of his explosiveness and power, not to mention he’s still difficult to bring down. He has 57 broken tackles over these past three years to back up that claim. We all know the Silver and Black are pointing most of their attention to the defense but they can’t neglect the offense either. Featuring a true two-headed monster in the run game will go a long way to protecting quarterback Derek Carr. For the right price, the Raiders need to jump on Gurley.
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