Storyline: If this guy has done what he has done in Oakland, there’s no reason to believe he can’t do it elsewhere. Struggling teams take a look! His name is BILL MUSGRAVE.
Heading into Week 9 of the NFL season nobody expected the Oakland Raiders to be 6-2, atop the AFC West. But that’s exactly what they’ve accomplished.
Bill Musgrave with Jack Del Rio (Photo courtesy of newslocker.com)
There are a lot of reasons why, including Derek Carr’s success, the development of Khalil Mack, and the energy that Head Coach Jack Del Rio has bought to Oakland. But there’s one secret weapon no one seems to be talking about: OC Bill Musgrave.
The Chargers, Rams, Browns and Jaguars are struggling on offense and could be looking for a new head coache come January. Musgrave may be just what they need. Why? Musgrave has developed a scheme that has turned previously unheard of players into productive starters.
Want proof? Here are three examples.
Seth Roberts. Roberts is one of my favorite guys to watch because he fits perfectly in this offense. The Raiders utilize him for his speed. Despite not being a huge receiver (at 6’2″ 195 lbs.) Musgrave always seems to find the perfect matchup for Roberts, especially in the slot, where it’s obvious that linebackers can’t cover him.
Latavius Murray is stepping up for the Raiders (photo, Matt Kartozian,USA TODAY )Sports
Latavius Murray. Yes, Murray’s initial success came under the ‘old’ Oakland regime. but Musgrave and the Raiders’ staff have helped him elevate his game–from a solid running back to a Pro Bowl RB. In 2015, Murray put up over ,000 yards rushing and, although the numbers haven’t been at the same level this year, it’s clear that the Raiders are better with him on the field.
The turnaround of Lee Smith. Before going on the IR Smith was putting up career numbers, finding the kind of production that eluded him in Buffalo. Smith was a threat because Musgrave has had the Raiders using more two tight end sets on offense.
Bottom Line: Musgrave’s creativity with young guys, like Derek Carr and Latavius Murray, along with his assistance in the revitalization of veterans, like Lee Smith and Michael Crabtree, make the Raiders’ offense dangerous.
If he can do that in Oakland, I can see no reason why he can’t do it elsewhere. Struggling teams take a look! The name is BILL MUSGRAVE.
