Raiders East/West Shrine Game Preview: Offense

When the opening kickoff of the 2018 East/West Shrine game occurs, the Raiders will bear witness to problem solvers. That is to say, whatever holes the roster currently owns, this game is the first step in filling them. As you scan the collection of talent, realize that this is where general managers build key roster depth. Immediately, three offensive players jump off the page.

Steven Dunbar (WR, Houston)

If you watch Dunbar’s film, three traits become readily apparent. First, at 6’3” and 217 pounds, Dunbar towers over corners. In addition, he will flat-back defensive backs to keep them from the ball. In other words, Dunbar will box out defenders using his back and torso to shield the throw. If a corner reaches the ball, officials will flag them.

Next, Dunbar moves quickly for a bigger receiver. He arrives at top speed suddenly. In the open field, Dunbar brings shiftiness downfield. Although his stats do not catch eyes, the matter in which he garnered those yards remains more important.

Lastly, in the red zone, Dunbar excels with the fade. His body control and spatial recognition helps him focus on the ball and not worry about the sideline.

D’Ernest Johnson (RB, South Florida)

While the Raiders backfield performed well in 2016, last year showed gaping issues with the backs. Without delay, Marshawn Lynch displays difficulty in the passing game. He fights and bobbles passes. As a result, defenses get a jump and negate any yardage. Jalen Richard and De Andre Washington are backups that seem to lack that next gear,

Meanwhile, Johnson steps to the field with wiggle, burst and perimeter quickness. Johnson hits the hole with a firm first step, followed by a jump cut, eluding the first defender. During the film study, Johnson shows the knack for breaking tackles. However, his method relies more on agility rather than brute force.

Coupled with returning kicks, Johnson could serve the Raiders as a third down back. Unlike Washington, Johnson slides through cracks and then strings his move together, instead of slowly developing a plan.

Jordan Chunn (RB, Troy)

If Johnson is the shifty back the Raiders need, Chunn is the hammer. Consequently, there is nothing fancy about his running style. From the snap, Chunn eyes downhill. Plus, when he makes contact with a defender, either they will bounce off him or his will discard them. Chunn could give the Raiders a no-doubt short-yardage thumper if they part ways with Marshawn Lynch. Provided the team also signs/drafts a lead back. While Chunn will score within ten yards, do not expect long run. Yet, he alleviates conversion issue. Moreover, he registered 84 receptions in his Trojan career.

Overall, the Raiders offense may only need slight tweaking. Conversely, no one knows what plans lurk between Jon Gruden and Reggie McKenzie. Despite this, Oakland needs an infusion of young talent at the skill positions.