Entering the ’24 season, Zamir White was projected to be the lead running back for the Las Vegas Raiders. Obviously, through 11 weeks, that hasn’t been the case. White, the 122nd-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has not found a way to be successful in any fashion this year while competing with Alexander Mattison. Although he seemed to be poised for a breakout-season, White’s ’24 campaign has statistically been his worst.
The Georgia alum finished both his ’22 and ’23 seasons averaging more than four yards per carry. That number has sunk to 2.8 this year for White. Furthermore, through 10 contests, White has less than half of the 451 rushing yards he posted in 2023. That comes with the 25-year-old starting more games this season (5) than he did the year prior (4).
In week 11, the Raiders chose to award White with more carries than usual, with no change in outcome. What is different about him this season?
Las Vegas Raiders: Zamir White’s disappointing junior campaign
A new offensive line
Offensive linemen and running backs have a cohesive relationship; or, should. Perhaps this is the answer to why White has struggled so greatly. Albeit, there are only two differences in the Raiders offensive line since 2023: both right guard and right tackle are positions now held by rookies.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, one of the two rookies, has been one of the unit’s few bright spots. He posted a 91.7 run-blocking grade in Week 9 while playing center; the highest mark by a Raiders center since Week 6 of the 2016 season.
This proves that Powers-Johnson isn’t the reason for White’s disappointing season. The Raiders second-rounder in this year’s draft has been a pleasant surprise at a right guard position that has now seen five different starters over five years.
Las Vegas’ right tackle in 2023 was Jermaine Eluemunor, who had a rough year for his standards. His replacement, D.J. Glaze, had a 90.1 run-blocking grade in Week 7.
Ultimately, Powers-Johnson and Glaze show that the offensive line is not the problem when it comes to White.
Alexander Mattison succeeding White
Certainly, Mattison was not initially intended to be the feature running back for the Raiders. He started 13 games in Minnesota but never found the end zone. However, this year, Mattison has been given the same offensive line as White. In the meantime, the 26-year-old has been significantly more efficient.
Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns showed Mattison is superior in this offense.
White was given 17 rushing attempts and totaled 50 yards; 2.9 yards per carry. Mattison, on the other hand, was able to total 60 yards on only five runs for an average of 12 yards per attempt. For his efforts, Mattison received a larger role in the offense moving forward. He’s also earned a major role on passing downs for the Raiders.
In conclusion, White has proven that he will not be the same running back the NFL-world once thought he could be. That may be due to a scheme issue or a lack of vision. It is apparent on many runs that the third-year back does not choose the correct gap.
Now, it is time for the coaches to create the best lineup. Alexander Mattison should be taking most of the snaps at running back, not Zamir White.
*Top Photo: Harry How/ Getty Images
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