Doug Martin may push Marshawn Lynch for Raiders’ lead back duties
Marshawn Lynch has to improve this year, but it’s pretty early to declare how Doug Martin will make a legitimate push in any competition for playing time.
The arrival of an un-retired Marshawn Lynch didn’t make much difference for the Oakland Raiders last year, as he only delivered 891 rushing yards (4.3 yards per carry) for the league’s 25th-ranked rushing attack. As Jon Gruden has come back to the Raiders, and had a hand in re-shaping the roster, former Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was brought to Oakland on a one-year deal.
Lynch seemed to get better as last season ended, with two 100-yard rushing games and three games with at least 95 yards on the ground over the final five weeks. Over the final six weeks, he also had 13 of his 20 receptions for the season. Martin, on the other hand, averaged 2.9 yards per carry for the second straight year in 2017 as he played less than 12 games for the third time in the last four seasons.
Stories out of NFL OTAs in May are inherently positive, as players are essentially working against air with contact strictly prohibited. But this one regarding Martin, from The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, is as interesting as it is premature.
Doug Martin showing that quick burst again today. Don’t be surprised if we have a starting RB competition on our hands at training camp. #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) May 29, 2018
The characterization of Martin showing “that quick burst again” conveys he has been looking good during this round of OTAs. The last time he showed any real burst with pads on was in 2015, when he topped 1,400 yards on the ground and finished second in the league in rushing. So Martin looking good right now qualifies as a good sign.
Gruden was reportedly impressed with Martin as a person in a meeting before he was signed. On the other hand, it’s easy to see Lynch not fully buying into the old/new Raiders’ coach’s “Chucky” routine. Gruden reportedly used an issue with personality as an impetus to cut punter Marquette King, so he could easily do the same with Lynch if Martin does win the starting job in a training camp competition.
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It would not have been a real shock if Lynch had decided to retire again this offseason. But if the hollowed-out shell of what once was “The Muscle Hamster” beats him out as Oakland’s lead back during camp, Lynch should re-retire without question.