What's everyone's thought on how involved Drake is going to be in the offense this season? Think Gase leans on him to be more a less a feature back (with Gore spelling him occasionally). Or, is it more of a committee? Also, how involved in the passing game do you think he will be?
With his speed and what looks like a better o-line, I think he'll be a boon in both the running and passing game.
I think we will see him for around 10-12 carries per game and maybe 5-8 carries for Gore on average. Even though he's an amazing runner, I think Gase really wants to be around 50/50 in passing/rushes to keep opponents guessing.
Hope you're wrong about that KeyFin. Looks like he averaged 18.2 carries over the last five games last season, and am hoping his floor more around 15/game.
I guess it really depends on Gore and how much he brings to the table. We know Gase likes the "RB by committee" approach so I can't see him using Drake as the workhorse like he did last season. Part of that last year was due to injuries and the drop off to our 3rd and 4th stringers. Here's the big takeaway though- if the line genuinely does improve in run blocking, it changes everything about this team in a positive way. We'll be able to control the clock more, the play action will be there, the defense will be fresher AND Drake will have an incredible year. Every RB looks good though when the blocking is there, so we'll just have to see.
More specifically I would wager that being the offense is what it is and the huge Mike Martz influence, I see Gase using Drake everywhere like Marshall Faulk. I wouldn't be surprised to see a Drake/Gore package as well where one of them swings out wide. If we're going to focus more on running the ball I couldn't see him getting less than 15 carries... he's the real Slim Shady. And yes that was an Eminem/ Shady McCoy joke! Or you could say the new Shady. He'll have that kind of impact on games. He just has to stay healthy, Lord willing.
I am the biggest Frank Gore fan. I think he becomes a perfect compliment to Drake. I do suspect though that Drake may be a focal point to this offense this season. There is just too many big plays waiting to happen.
I know on paper that there are a lot of guys on this team with big plays capability on offense. I'm talking about a guy in Drake who can turn nothing into something. Yes, give the ball to Gore in redzone situations. But Drake is going to be the guy getting them there. Very excited about Drake this season. For all of you fantasy football nerds. Get him in the leagues that give points for a reception.
Is Drake gonna get more run today? Or is Gore gonna continue to eat into his carries? Inquiring minds want to know
I don't think Gase even knows. If I am the guy, I am going to start with Drake and go from there. I think the plan is to limit Gore's carries, but if he gets hot and Drake isn't then I am going to stay with Gore. The most important thing for me is to come away with a "W".
I dont care who gets more touches as long as they are getting it done. I dont feel that Drake is a guy that takes a bunch of carries to get going, unlike Ajayi who got more productive as his touches went up.
The Raiders are among the worst so far in run defense and YPC, so it will likely be running back by committee this afternoon.
I just don't understand why Drake isn't getting more run in this offense. What am I missing? I think he's clearly their most talented player on offense. Did he scratch Gase's car in the parking lot or something?
Drake should be getting 20 touches a game of combined runs and passes. No reason not to get him the ball as much as possible. I think he has been one of the few bright spots on offense for us. He's probably a better receiver than a runner at this point, but i'd use him both ways. He's our version of Tarik Cohen/Tryeek Hill. He's a breakaway threat every time he touches the ball. Obviously he needs a bigger back to compliment him in the run game and take the wear and tear off his body. Gore has provided that for us this year. I think Ballage does that for us next year. With the injuries to the O line we have really been ruined offensively. No star QB to make up for that loss and the run game suffers dramatically despite the efforts being made by Gore/Drake. Either way....I'd still get Drake involved as much as possible.
In honestly think it's due to the fact that our offense just isnt that good. I mean think about how many total snaps our offense has in a game in comparison to other offenses with a running back that gets a ton of carries. The volume isnt there for anyone. 3rd and 15s running a draw play or WR screen behind the LOS arent allowing us to convert and therefore killing drives which could have netted drake an additional 3 to 4 touches per drive. But aside from that I do believe they trust Gore more in critical situations and he seems to have better vision for the right hole when they really need it.