Branden Oliver Will Be X-Factor for San Diego Chargers in Week 6
By Robert DeVita
@RobertDeVita24
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
After last week’s performance, I think it’s safe to say that San Diego Chargers rookie running back Branden Oliver will be the X-factor in Week 6. The Chargers absolutely manhandled the New York Jets in Week 5, and will be taking on the lowly Oakland Raiders this week. Oliver, who is an undrafted free-agent out of Buffalo, will have easy pickings against the abysmal Raiders’ defense.
Oliver will see the bulk of the work load and rightfully so after his standout performance in Week 5. People have been saying he reminds them of Darren Sproles and I would have to agree. The 5-foot-8 Oliver sports the No. 43 just like Sproles and has a very similar skill-set. The Chargers may have found a diamond in the rough with Oliver, who is seizing the opportunity in a banged up backfield.
There is no way I see the Raiders containing the elusive Oliver. The Raiders are flat out horrible. There really is no other way to put it; the numbers speak for themselves. Over the course of the 2014 season, the Raiders are ranked 31st in the NFL against the run. They are allowing 158.3 yards per game; Oliver has to be licking his chops. The Raiders’ defense has one bright spot and that is linebacker Khalil Mack, who oddly enough is a former teammate of Oliver’s at Buffalo.
I hate to break it to the Raider fans out there, but not even Mack will be able to contain Oliver. The Chargers have been looking for an answer at running back since Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead went down with injuries. Veteran Donald Brown was not getting it done and he too went down with an injury. Oliver was the next man up and he has left a lasting impression in only one game of extended action.
There should be no reason why Oliver doesn’t rush for over 100 yards and a couple of scores. I also see him being a major contributor as a receiver coming out of the backfield. He should rack up around 50 yards receiving as well. All I can say is it’s going to be an extremely long day for the Raiders because Oliver is going to run all over them.
Robert DeVita is a New York Mets’ writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobertDeVita24, like him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
5 Changes Jaguars Need to Make for 2015 Season
The Jacksonville Jaguars are already changing offensive coordinators, but what other changes should the team make for the 2015 NFL season? Read More
Christie Will Join Jones At Lambeau Field
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be with Jerry Jones as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers in the NFL divisional round. Read More
Rex Ryan Likely To Use Marc Trestman As His OC
If Rex Ryan becomes the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, fans can expect to see Marc Trestman back as the offensive coordinator. Read More
5 Areas for Jaguars to Improve Over 2015 Offseason
It's another dreary offseason in sunny Jacksonville. Here are five things the Jacksonville Jaguars must improve to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Read More
Flacco-Harbaugh Just as Good as Brady-Belichick
Looking at the playoff successes for the tandem of Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, they actually stack up just as well as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. See why that may actually favor the Ravens. Read More
Dallas Cowboys Needs Fast Start in Green Bay
The key to the Dallas Cowboys coming out of Green Bay with a win is getting off to a fast start, and here's why. Read More
5 Changes the Philadelphia Eagles Need to Make
The Philadelphia Eagles need to change some things before the start of next season. Read More
5 Players the Texans Could Use A Franchise Tag On
Here are five players the Houston Texans could use the franchise tag on this offseason. Read More
5 Players Set To Break Out For Seahawks In 2015
The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a playoff run, but that does not mean it is too early to look ahead to next season. Here are five players set to break out in 2015. Read More
5 Youngsters Set to Break Out For Ravens in 2015
The Baltimore Ravens had a successful draft last year, and rookies are already establishing themselves as playmakers on this team. Here are five young guys I expect to have a great 2015 season. Read More
Photo: Chris Christie as a Cowboys Cheerleader
Here's a disturbing image of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader from The Trentonian. Read More
5 Things Houston Must Improve Over the Offseason
Here are five things that the Houston Texans must improve over the 2015 offseason. Read More