The Las Vegas Raiders are a team planning on making a big leap this season and returning to the playoffs. One concern offensively for the team might be the run game however, as Josh Jacobs left to join the Green Bay Packers, leaving Zamir White as the team’s top running back.
White did give the Raiders some reason for optimism down the stretch of last season, starting the final four games and eclipsing the 100-yard mark twice in those starts. He is a player with something to prove, and he sees the entire team embracing that mindset in OTAs so far.
White recently spoke on the mindset of the Raiders so far during OTAs with the back saying that everyone in the building is grinding hard during these offseason workouts, via Tashan Reed of The Athletic:
#Raiders RB Zamir White on the vibes at OTAs: “These guys want it. Offense, defense, there’s no dragging around the building. It’s guys wanting to come to work and grind with us. We’re really on right now.”
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) May 29, 2024
Under head coach Antonio Pierce, the Raiders have really seemed to embrace that hard work, a grinding mentality which he was known for as a player. This team is motivated after a disappointing 2023, and it sounds as if everyone is on the same page in 2024 about putting in the necessary work to dominate this year.
Being strong and physical in the trenches has been a theme, and White could greatly benefit from it. White rushed for 397 yards in those four starts to end 2023 while averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry. The team did sign Alexander Mattison to back him up, but this is White’s opportunity to prove he can be a lead back, and the Raiders will be counting on him.
The Raiders have a number of options in the passing game led by Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, not to mention the team’s pair of promising tight ends in Michael Mayer and rookie Brock Bowers. That should keep defenses honest and give White plenty of room to operate, and by all accounts, he is putting in the work to thrive in 2024.
Josh Jacobs texted Raiders WR Davante Adams about returning to Packers
The Raiders’ previous starter at running back, Josh Jacobs, left to join the Packers this offseason, a franchise familiar to star receiver Davante Adams. And Jacobs at least tested the waters as to whether Adams would be open to a return.
During Packers OTAs, Jacobs admitted that he sent the eyes emoji to Adams and asked if he was thinking about returning. But Adams has always maintained his loyalty since joining the Raiders and didn’t seem quite as fond of Green Bay the last time he spoke about that organization.
