Gruden of the Raiders says that Richard `could be the MVP of our team & # 39;

ALAMEDA – It turns out that Jalen Richard is a back for all the downs.

"Jalen Richard could be the most valuable player on our team," Raiders coach Jon Gruden said at his weekly press conference on Monday.

Richard racked up 11 passes for a 61-yard team record and three catches for 32 yards in a 23-21 road victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, a performance that reminded his head coach of a back who had had one of the best seasons of the franchise. l & # 39; history.

"It's a type of Charlie Garner," said Gruden. "He's a guy who, I think, could one day run 1,000 yards and get 1,000 yards passing. It's a guy we can line up in the slot, off. It may not be the biggest return, but it plays very hard. "

This is by far Richard's most comprehensive work as a rider this season, as his reach is the best he has had since his five-fight win in the first week against the Los Angeles Rams. He is the Raiders' third top scorer behind Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin.

As a receiver, Richard has already accumulated 51 receptions for a career-high 432 yards.

Given that Richard had never played more than nine times in a game, the comparison with Garner could be a way for Gruden to say he expects more in the last six games of the season.

Gruden, by the way, likes Garner. The two were together when Gruden was the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, and again in 2001 when the Raiders signed Garner to replace Napoleon Kaufman, who retired to begin his ministry.

Garner racked up 829 yards and caught 72 passes for 578 yards. His role was expanded in 2002 when Marc Trestman resumed the call after Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay.

During one of the big seasons under the radar of a half-defender, Garner attempted to join Roger Craig, the only one to beat 1,000, -1000 in terms of speed and receiving the distance, running for 962 yards and capture 91 passes for 941 more.

Garner, at 5 feet 10 inches and 190 pounds, ran with a ferocity that Gruden also saw at Richard's.

"He's a nasty guy, a tough guy when the match starts," said Gruden. "It's hard to fight. . . he is not only a third back. He can not do much for us. "

The centipede effect

The Raiders finished the game in Arizona with 33 runs for a record 152 yards, their highest number of rushing yards since they won 139 against Cleveland in their only other win.

The last time the Raiders did better is Week 2 of last season with 180 yards against the New York Jets. Doug Martin made 10 runs for 52 yards at half-time but left with an ankle injury and did not return, while DeAndre Washington racked up 12 runs, a high on his team, for 39 yards.

Washington had only played two games and carried the ball six times all season. The 12 races ended in a career-high in 2016, while he totaled 99 yards against the Colts of Indianapolis on Christmas Eve.

Gruden said Martin's injury was not serious.

"We have not had a lot of touch-ups in some of these games, so it's hard to get the ball to even too many runners," said Gruden. "We stuck with her. We have had success and we have been able to put DeAndre in circulation and, hopefully, it will give it even bigger results. "

The numbers will become more difficult when the Raiders visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Baltimore leads the NFL in total defense and is third in defense against the race, allowing 94.6 yards per game without more than 35 yards.

Joseph steps up

Karl Joseph has been able to stay on the field enough to train beyond this year. Choosing the first round in 2016, Joseph had his longest playing time of the last two games and had an interception against Arizona.

"It gives us more speed in a safe position. He has a good typing ability, "said Gruden. "I think he's getting better, he's learning that defense. . . I think he's starting to recognize the plays and feel them. We need a physical presence on or near the line of scrimmage and I think it can help us do it. "

Nelson gives a helping hand the sideline

The players in the final injury report do not usually go to the games, but wide receiver Jordy Nelson, dismissed by a knee contusion, went to Arizona to give a stable, stable influence to a young receiving body.

"I asked Jordy if he wanted to stay in Oakland and get extra care," Gruden said. "He said," No, I want to come to the match. That's the kind of attitude we need right now. A veteran's presence, with the receivers, with Derek on the sidelines. "

McDonald is playing the offensive

Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald got two turnovers to the goal line and said it was his first participation on that side of the ball since high school.

"You just wait, then we'll give him the ball," said Lee Smith.