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ALAMEDA — Everyone with a pulse remembers the Super Bowl two years ago, when Seattle neglected to run Marshawn Lynch from the one-yard line, down four against the Patriots late in the fourth quarter. Russell Wilson instead threw an interception that cost the Seahawks a championship. Lynch was left wondering what could’ve been.

One of the most iconic moments in NFL history further solidified the notion that Lynch is perceived to be one of the premier goal-line threats in all of football.

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After spending the first chunk of the season as Oakland’s No. 3 option in the backfield behind Lynch and Jalen Richard, DeAndre Washington has emerged as the Raiders’ No. 2 running back. With the 31-year-old Lynch needing breathers more often than the NFL’s most spry running backs, Washington has seized the opportunity to solidify himself as Oakland’s No. 2 option, especially near the end zone. Like Oakland’s first matchup against the Chiefs, Washington may be called upon in crucial moments when the Raiders (6-6) travel to Kansas City (6-6) on Sunday with sole first place in the AFC West on the line.

“He’s got a nose for pay dirt,” Raiders’ offensive coordinator Todd Downing said. “He’s certainly a guy that wants to get in that end zone. We saw it last time we played the Chiefs and he ran one of our one-back powers in there and then got in there the other day against the Giants. He’s a guy that definitely is going to fight hard to get into that end zone.” Like our Oakland Raiders Facebook page for more Raiders news, commentary and conversation.

In 2016, Washington ran 87 times for 467 yards and two touchdowns. He caught 17 passes for 115 yards but didn’t find the end zone through the air. He’s become a more efficient runner this season, with the same number of touchdowns on the ground via only 48 rushes. Through only 12 games in 2017, he’s corralled 28 passes for 169 yards and one receiving score.

Last time the Raiders played the Chiefs, Washington found pay dirt from four yards out to put Oakland up by one in the third quarter. He’ll never widen your eyes with an explosive run or startle you carrying defenders downfield like Lynch, but Washington is reliable. And that’s all the Raiders need out of Beast Mode’s backup.

Since the Raiders kicked off against the Bills in Week 8, Richard and Washington sit fairly even in the rushing department. Richard has rushed 17 times for 75 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and Washington has rushed 25 times for 88 yards (3.5 yards per rush). In the receiving spectrum, they’re fairly equal, as well. Washington owns the slight edge, catching 14 passes for 95 yards since the start of that Buffalo game, including a receiving touchdown against the Bills. Richard has caught 10 passes since the start of Week 8 for 62 yards, featuring a receiving score against the Broncos. For complete Oakland Raiders coverage follow us on Flipboard.

In the fourth quarter against the Giants last weekend, though, it was Washington who gave the Raiders their first two-score lead of the game with a nine-yard burst into the end zone. He evaded the grasp of New York safety Landon Collins, muscling his way past the goal line and leaping into the Black Hole.

“We got a favorable look. The backer was on the backside. We knew that,” Washington said. “You get those guys reaching and there’s a good chance you get in the end zone.”

The Raiders’ final series against the Giants, when they need only a first down to seal the game, provided a glimpse at who they truly trust in crunch time at running back. Washington ran three times with less than 1:40 remaining, securing the final Oakland first down en route to a .500 record and a share of first place in the division.

It may not be the widest of gaps, but Washington has separated himself ever so slightly from Richard and proven he too can be counted on when the Raiders need him most.

“DeAndre is a great player, very smart,” Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr said. “I love standing next to him and playing alongside of him.”