Why the Oakland Raiders are Making the NFL Playoffs in 2015

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

“The Raiders Found a Gem in the 6th round of the 2013 NFL Draft.”

The Raiders are truly loaded with young talent that’s producing. Three weeks into the season we aren’t talking about potential anymore with Oakland’s young core players because they are producing now. Latavius Murray is the fourth leading rusher in the league so far. Good things happen when the Raiders give him the ball and that was evident last week when he ran for 139 and a touchdown on 26 carries.

Murray is 6’3″ and weighs 230 pounds and he comes with blazing speed, power and incredible vision. He always seems to fall forward and gain yardage even on the bad runs. He’s capable of converting on short down situations with his power but also fast enough to outrun your defensive backs for a 90 yard touchdown run. Perhaps his greatest quality is his vision and ability to move in tight spaces.

He has all the tools to be a great back and so far he is showing them. He’s currently third on the Raiders with 11 receptions on 11 targets. Only 12 running backs in the league have more catches than Murray and only three running backs have more combined rushing and receiving yards (316) than Murray. It’s still early in the season but Murray could have the best year for a Raiders running back in a very long time.

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