Oakland Raiders Got The Best AFC West Newcomer
By Erik Lambert
The Oakland Raiders know that they are close to a Super Bowl run. Their 12-4 record last season proved they could hang in the AFC.
Of course dethroning the Patriots is another task altogether. One step at a time though. First up on the agenda for 2017 was finding a way to improve their roster to a greater extent than others in the AFC West division. Did they succeed? A number of experts seem to think so. ESPN asked their staff of writers who they think were the best newcomers to each division. Answered were often varied, but there was some consensus on certain names.
In regards to the AFC West, it’s believed the Raiders got the biggest fish this year. That of course being former All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch. It’s believed if he can resemble even a fraction of the dominant force he was a couple years ago, then that Oakland offense gets scary real fast. After all they already know they can throw the ball with Derek Carr.
"“Eric D. Williams, Los Angeles Chargers reporter: In his prime, Marshawn Lynch was one of the most powerful and productive runners in the NFL….After taking a year off last season, I believe Lynch will shake the rust off and return to his days as Beast Mode, giving Oakland’s offense another dangerous weapon out of the backfield.”Paul Gutierrez, Oakland Raiders reporter: As long as he is more Beast Mode than Bust Mode, and he is more rested than rusted, the easy answer is Raiders running back Lynch — by a long shot. Yes, Lynch, who is coming off a one-year retirement, was far from the dominant force his last season in Seattle, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry while missing nine games with injury….He said the reason he decided to come out of retirement was to play for the youth in the East Bay so they could watch him before the team moves to Las Vegas. He is rested and ready to prove doubters wrong, and his quirky personality has not only been accepted by the Raiders, it has been celebrated. AFC West rivals, beware.”"
Oakland Raiders with a good Lynch are indefensible
People talk about the Raiders being a throwing team, and they are. However, they also had the #6 ranked rushing attack in 2016. This in large part to the three-man backfield of Latavius Murray, DeAndre Washington, and Jalen Richard. The threat of Carr as a passer will inevitably open up some running lanes. Never mind the presence of an outstanding offensive line. Something Lynch didn’t have towards the end of his run with the Seahawks.
If he regains some of that old mojo, this team is locked and loaded to make a run.