Defensive lineman C.J. Wilson felt a proverbial "slap in the face" after the Raiders decided to release him earlier this month, per Detroit Free Press writer Carlos Monarrez. Big 300-pound linemen have feelings too, and Wilson will do everything in his power to best his former team. Wilson said:
I'm taking this as a personal game. It's like my Super Bowl. I take pride in getting ready this week. Everything matters, from practice to the way I watch my film this week.It's not every year you get to play a team that let you go the next week. The second week you're on another team.
Wilson started one game, played 95 total snaps and graded 1.5 against the run through four games with the Raiders, per Pro Football Focus.
Wilson's profound motivation poses a challenge for a game plan that should feature the ground attack.
Feed Murray and a Random Ball-Carrier
In Week 10, Oakland ran the ball 19 times, twice with quarterback Derek Carr, which sparked a discussion concerning the offensive play-calling, per InsideBayArea.com writer Jerry McDonald. The Raiders played the Minnesota Vikings closely through three quarters, but the ground attack became an afterthought.
According to San Francisco Chronicle writer Vic Tafur, Oakland stands a much-better chance at victory when Murray takes 20-plus carries:
Sometimes, it’s not about the number of carries, but the production accumulated within those opportunities. This season, the Raiders are winless (0-4) when Murray fails to eclipse 50 yards on the ground.
The Raiders' rushing offense leans so heavily on Murray to produce without a legitimate No. 2 running back. Many thought Roy Helu would come in and share some of the load, but the coaching staff has kept him in...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
