Oakland Raiders: Jalen Richard should flourish Dolphins
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard could see more looks in the passing game against the Miami Dolphins. Who’s the weak link in their pass coverage?
In Week 1, Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard converted 11 targets into nine receptions for 55 yards against the Los Angeles Rams. He didn’t record a single catch in last week’s contest with the Denver Broncos.
According to head coach Jon Gruden, it’s all about matchups. He channeled his inner Bill Belichick when explaining Richard’s huge role in the regular-season opener, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic.
“If you want to attack certain coverages, sometimes the best matchup you can find is a back against a linebacker. Seen the Patriots do quite well with their backs. He’s emerging in that role, and I think he can be great at that role.”
Richard will have another opportunity to showcase his receiving skills Sunday. The Miami Dolphins have allowed an average 59 receiving yards per contest to running backs over the last two weeks, per Football Outsiders.
In Week 2, the New York Jets exploited a favorable matchup with running back Bilal Powell against the Dolphins linebackers. He finished with five receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. Gang Green came up short in a 20-12 loss, but offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates made a concerted effort to test Miami’s short-area pass coverage.
Thus far, Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso has played when defending the aerial attack, allowing seven catches out of 14 targets and hauling in an interception, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). However, middle linebacker Raekwon McMillan has been a liability in that area, surrendering eight receptions out of nine targets for 107 yards and a touchdown, per PFF.
McMillian took the field for 94 percent of the team’s snaps through two weeks. Assuming the Raiders watched the film, the coaching staff likely circled No. 52 on the Dolphins as someone to isolate with a running back. Gruden could also design pass plays for tight end Jared Cook across the middle.
The Dolphins have options to minimize Cook in the passing game. Rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick could shadow the tight end. Safety Reshad Jones has two interceptions.
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Fans would prefer not to see quarterback Derek Carr throw 10-plus check-down passes Sunday, but a handful of quick-strike throws to Richard out of the backfield should help move the ball for chunk yardage. The third-year running back possesses the ability to turn a short reception into a 10-yard gain with moves after the catch.
With running back DeAndre Washington healthy enough to play, he’s also a potential factor in the game plan as a receiving option. Coming off arthroscopic knee surgery, the Raiders may opt to keep him on the sideline. As a result, Richard will likely have an active Sunday as a pass-catcher.
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