With Luke Getsy running the Las Vegas Raiders offense, is Zamir White poised for a “breakout” season as RB1 with Josh Jacobs now in Green Bay?
You could argue that a few players currently on the roster might have a standout year in 2024. On defense, we could see the emergence of Jack Jones as a true CB1. This will mark his first full season with the Raiders. Michael Mayer, who has Brock Bowers as his tight end tag team partner, should reach his potential. The question is: what will the running game look like in a post-Jacobs world?
Well, speaking of the run game, Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus believes White will be the one to break out in Jacobs’ stead.
“Expect more of a running back by committee approach for new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who generally kept carries balanced in Chicago—that should mean more totes for White, whose 3.21 yards after contact per carry ranked 10th among running backs last year.”
How should the Raiders handle Zamir White this season?
Raiders fans are well-versed in the committee approach to running back; former head coach Josh McDaniels also adhered to that philosophy. With that in mind, the running back group was once again addressed this offseason. An under-the-radar move that new general manager Tom Telesco made was picking up Alexander Mattison. We might see Mattison taking half of the snaps, with the duo battering opposing defenses. As the season wears on, White could potentially take the mantle. He’d pile up snaps en route to becoming the full-time back. In theory, of course.
If White is to fulfill his destiny as the heir apparent, he’ll need to be a consistent pass-blocker—he showed signs of that last season. For his part, Mattison isn’t a scrub. A self-described “violent runner,” Mattison saw steady usage at the start of 2023, eclipsing 90+ rushing yards in Weeks 3 and 4.
Raiders RB @AlexMattison22 on his running style:
“I’m a violent runner.”
@MikeDixon_VST #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/EhU5zmdZuN
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) May 19, 2024
Unfortunately, he faded down the stretch—Mattison totaled 158 yards in the Vikings’ final five games. Will this repeat itself with the Raiders?
Fans will recall that White settled into his new role in the final four weeks of the season. He recorded nearly 400 rushing yards during that stretch (397), while averaging nearly five yards per carry (4.73). The potential is there; there is no doubt about it.
*Top Photo: Getty Images