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Oakland Raiders: Latavius Murray Needs Another Stellar Season

By Maurice Moton

May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running backs DeAndre Washington (33) and Latavius Murray (28) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running backs DeAndre Washington (33) and Latavius Murray (28) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Beyond the obvious in winning football games, why does fourth-year running back Latavius Murray need another stellar season with the Oakland Raiders?

Why does Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray need to put together consecutive breakout seasons? It’s obvious the team needs a balanced offensive attack to win football games. For Murray, the reasoning goes a bit deeper.

Let’s rewind the clock a bit.

The Raiders drafted Murray in the sixth round of the 2013 draft, but he didn’t show up on the field as a significant contributor until Week 12 during the 2014 season. He came seemingly out of nowhere to help the Raiders to their first victory in that season.

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Going into the 2015 season, head coach Jack Del Rio took over the team and didn’t commit to Murray as the starter upon arrival.

The head coach tested his unpolished running back with capable but flawed competition. The Raiders picked up Michael Dyer and Trent Richardson to vie for the starting position. Both failed to make the final 53-man roster.

Roy Helu and Taiwan Jones were added to provide a spark, specifically to the passing attack after the catch and fill in the gaps. Neither made a significant impact on the season.

Team Irvin running back Latavius Murray of the Oakland Raiders (28) poses with Nike Pro Bowl logo gloves during 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort
Jan 29, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Irvin running back Latavius Murray of the Oakland Raiders (28) poses with Nike Pro Bowl logo gloves during 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

In fairness to Murray, he tallied 1,066 rushing yards and six touchdowns averaging four yards per carry. He also finished No. 7 among all running backs and No. 2 in the AFC in rushing yards. As the only viable ball-carrier in the Raiders’ backfield, he also ranked No. 4 in rushing attempts.

Murray deserves credit for pulling the wagon all by his lonesome and booking his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

However, he’s entering a contract year and general manager Reggie McKenzie drafted the team’s second running back on his watch. If rookie DeAndre Washington performs well as the backup, he could take Murray’s position in 2017.

Yes, it sounds preposterous after watching Murray eclipse 1,000 yards, but at this point, he only has one good season on his resume. If the 26-year-old running back averages fewer than four yards per carry or fails to come close to the 1,000-yard mark, McKenzie may not be so generous at the negotiating table next year.

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility
Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

After the team’s first organized team activity session, Murray told local reporters, via Raiders.com, he’s not coming into the year full of himself. He’d like to make the Pro Bowl on his own account rather than waiting for someone to decline the invitation. He knows what’s at stake for his future, specifically in Oakland.

For Murray, the upcoming season could decide whether he re-signs with the team or moves on.

Financially, McKenzie hasn’t placed a high premium on running backs. He’s only selected two and the earliest came in the fifth round. After several average add-on ball-carriers and undrafted free agents failed to provide stiff competition in the backfield, the Raiders general manager finally drafted another running back.

Do you think he’s going to budge at the negotiating table with Murray or any running back flashing one good season under his belt? It’s not happening.

McKenzie has already shared his thoughts on the projected No. 2 running back, per John Lund on 95.7.

"We think he’s a complete back, and when he gets out in space, he can make you look silly. He can catch the ball, but he can run between the tackles as well as well as bouncing it outside. We think he’s the total package as a runner. We really like him."

He views Washington as a complete backfield component, who can run, block and catch. In nonchalant fashion, it tells Murray that he’s replaceable if necessary.

More nfl spin zone: Oakland Raiders’ 2016 Weekly Win-Loss Predictions

Of course, McKenzie would never say that outward and so bluntly, but he’s sharp when it comes to contracts and financial preservation. He’s signed off on plenty of shrewd contracts that are team-friendly deals. If a player fails to perform, he could be released or traded tomorrow. Raider favorites have already come and gone but winning trumps all.

Murray enters the upcoming season coming off a high, but he must continue to produce or see his days with the Raiders cut short. Washington isn’t there to just complement the lead back; he’s possibly the next unassuming starter in the backfield.

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