FanPost

ATOTC: Jaguars vs. Raiders Roster Breakdown: Running Backs

For my second installment, I compare each teams respective running back position. Keep in mind that I am only comparing the starting running backs because it would take too much time to research about Jacksonville's depth and I frankly do not have the time nor the inclination. Anyway, lets begin.

920x920.0.jpg

The Raiders starting running back is Latavius "Tay Train" Murray. Murray is a big RB standing at 6 feet three inches and 230 pounds. He combines that size with blazing speed as he ran a 4.38 40 yard dash at the combine. I must put an asterisk on this, however, because it seems like he plays slower than his time at around the 4.45 mark which is nonetheless impressive. Murray is a one cut and go runner who displays excellent vision and decisiveness, constantly getting positive yardage. Anyway, Murray burst into the scene late in the 2014 season accumulating 424 yards on 82 carries with 5.2 yd average. Murray began the 2015 season well, but a combination of a nagging ankle injury, O-Line injuries, and overall subpar play by the O-line in the run offense led to him averaging a 4.3 yd average on 266 attempts to get 1,066 yds overall . He showcased solid hands with 17 receptions on 23 targets and averaged 8.4 yd's per reception for 143 yds.

Murray needs to show more consistency late in the game and develop better footwork in the pocket. Murray must improve his footwork if he is to make up for his lack of explosiveness (i.e. change of direction speed). Furthermore, Murray needs to improve in his pass protection skills. It is a travesty that a RB as big and strong as Murray is not at least average at blocking. Improving his ability to do so would give Musgrave more flexibility and keeps the defenses guessing.

i.0.jpeg

The starting running back for the Jaguars is Chris "The Kraken" Ivory. Ivory is a prototypical running back at 6 feet tall and 222 pounds. Similar to Murray, Ivory doesn't have a lot of wear and tear only starting 30 games since 2013. Ivory combines his explosive 4.48 speed with a bruising running style that showcases his physicality & balance on contact. Ivory exhibits excellent vision, footwork, and patience to find the hole. Ivory accumulated 1,070 yd's on 247 attempts averaging 4.3 yds per carry, Ivory is also an excellent pass blocker, posting a top 7 RB grade according to PFF. He is also an average pass catcher with solid hands catching 30 receptions on 38 targets averaging 7.2 yds per reception. The thing about Chris Ivory is that he is a very polished player. The only thing that I could honestly list as a weakness would be his run blocking, which would be asinine.

Final Decision: Chris Ivory and Latavius Murray's production was quite similar last year. However, Ivory's diverse skillset is what sets him apart from Murray. Ivory is slightly better a pass catcher and a much better pass blocker which makes him a more valuable player than Murray. This time, the edge goes to the Jaguars.