Both teams enter this contest with significant injuries—the Chiefs with a few more than the Raiders in key areas.
However, Chiefs running back Charcandrick West rejoins the lineup after missing a game with a hamstring injury. He completes a two-man backfield responsible for propelling the Chiefs into playoff contention.
The Raiders must find a solution to a lackluster ground attack to extend time of possession and keep the defense fresh down the stretch.
Short Passes to Supplement Struggling Rush Offense
In a press conference with local reporters, head coach Jack Del Rio expressed concern for a rushing offense averaging 73 yards in the last three games.
We have some things to clean up. Usually when you don’t run it as well, it comes down to the timing on a couple of combination blocks, and whether you’re hitting the hole just right, or whether we’re finishing down field with the receivers, and all the things you’re praising when it goes well. It just wasn’t quite as good as we feel like we’re capable of doing it and we’ve got to go back and refine that.
Despite taking part in Thursday’s practice, center Rodney Hudson is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game, per Oakland Tribune writer Jerry McDonald.
The Raiders attack the mid-guard and center areas in 60 percent of their runs, per Football Outsiders.
Backup center Tony Bergstrom has played sufficiently as a starter, but he doesn't provide an equal push to Hudson at the line of scrimmage as a run-blocker.
In combination with Hudson’s absence, right guard J’Marcus Webb grades minus-10.6 as one of the worst run-blocking guards in the le...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
