One of the biggest issues that has ailed a struggling Raiders offense has been its inability to establish and find consistent success in the run game.
Entering their Week 11 date on Sunday at the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas ranks dead last in the NFL in rushing yardage with just 692 rushing yards. The Raiders’ 3.5 yards per carry average is also last in the league.
As Scott Turner takes over as the Raiders’ interim offensive coordinator, the former passing game coordinator discussed how Las Vegas can address its struggling rushing attack.
“We’ve had some issues, obviously. We know we’re not doing a great job right now of running the football. Trying to just make sure that the communication is great up front, so number one, we know who we’re getting to. Coach [Joe] Philbin, he’s going to do a great job, even in practice yesterday.
“Just really focusing on the fundamentals of hat placement, understanding what we’re trying to get out of every run. Hopefully we can stay a little healthier and have some continuity, which will help us get going
up front. And then the backs, just being decisive, don’t worry about making a mistake or putting the ball in the wrong place, just go hit it and run and get your pads going forward,” Turner said.
As Turner pointed out, the Raiders also have to give themselves more chances to run the football by extending drives.
Las Vegas’ 199 rushing attempts on the season are second-to-last, ahead of only the Dallas Cowboys.
“And then we got to get first downs, like you got to get first downs, whether it’s in the run or pass, to give yourself more attempts to run the football, because that’s where we’re lacking too. We’re lacking at attempts. We haven’t had great efficiency, but we’re also low at attempts as well,” Turner said.
Turner reiterated that communication will be the key up front for interim offensive line coach Joe Philbin and his bunch.
“I think our focus has got to be on communication. Like those guys got to communicate, and like I said, hopefully we can get some continuity. We have had changing lineups there, and you’re right, we’ve got some talented guys up front. And I think we got some guys that are young guys that are going to continue to get better.
“And I think the more they play, the more they communicate, if we can make things – again, you can’t just say we’re going to be super simple because you’ve got to go try to make plays – but as much as we can walk that line, that helps those guys as well. Because when guys know what to do, that allows them to play fast, which builds confidence, and then you play better,” Turner said.
The Raiders’ leading rusher heading into its Week 11 date in Miami is Alexander Mattison who has carried 92 times for 301 rushing yards with three touchdowns on the ground.
Zamir White also has 60 carries for 174 rushing yards with one rushing score thus far this season.