Oakland Raiders: Time to unleash Marshawn Lynch vs. Patriots

After preserving Marshawn Lynch for half of the season, it’s time for the Oakland Raiders to fully unleash him against the Patriots’ porous run defense.

Someone pass a note to offensive coordinator Todd Downing demanding at least 15 carries for running back Marshawn Lynch. It’s part of the Oakland Raiders recipe for stunning the New England Patriots in Mexico City.

When Lynch decided to return to the football field, many expected to see more flashes of pre-2015 Beast Mode. However, he’s finished one contest with 15-plus carries through eight games. Sure, Lynch returned to action at 31 years old. Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington average a combined 7.2 carries per contest to eat into the featured running back’s workload.

Nevertheless, after a year away from the game, we’ve seen glimpses from the physical ball-carrier. It’s time to feed him at critical times.

Unleash the Beast

Beast Mode has started and finished seven games. He’s averaged 3.7 yards per carry or more in four contests. The Patriots have surrendered 100-plus yards in six outings and allow 6.5 yards per carry for the season.

Initially, Lynch fit into a closer role. Analysts viewed him as someone who’d control the clock at the end of the games. Others expect him to flourish in cold-temperature contests. Let’s tweak that perspective on Sunday. New England hasn’t allowed more than 17 points in the last five contests. However, the run defense, especially without linebacker Dont’a Hightower remains vulnerable.

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Downing shouldn’t plan to outduel quarterback Tom Brady with a porous defense on the Raiders sideline. Instead, he should attempt to shorten the game and cap as many drives as possible with a score.

Help the Defense

Brady hasn’t thrown an interception since Week 6 against the New York Jets. The Raiders can’t allow the defense to stay on the field for 35-plus minutes with an accurate signal-caller feeling comfortable in the pocket.

Oakland became the first team in NFL history to go through nine games without an interception. The streak will likely continue with Brady minimizing his errors. An offense that sustains drives can boost a lackluster defense.

Through 10 weeks, the Raiders offense ranks No. 29 in possession, per Team Rankings. The ability to extend drives forces the Patriots to make the most out of their time with football. As long as Brady doesn’t drive down the field for a score on every opportunity, Oakland will have a fair chance at winning the game.

At 4-5, with playoff hopes dwindling or becoming more feasible every week, the Raiders have to pay attention to matchups.

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Coming off a bye week, Lynch should take the field ready to bludgeon a defense that’s allowed more than 100 yards in the last three contests. It’s the perfect statement game for Beast Mode’s comeback campaign and the Raiders’ flickering postseason hopes.

Downing could still mix Richard and Washington into the game plan, but it’s important to handoff to Beast Mode at least 15 times. How fun is it to tackle Lynch over and over when he’s refreshed? Not much. Kill the preservation talk for the 31-year-old and let him rumble.