Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves in the unenviable position of having one of the least productive rushing attacks in the NFL. They languished at the bottom of the league in rushing yards per game and scored low in Expected Points Added (EPA) per rush, a stat that essentially measures the efficiency of each play. With negative metrics in this category, it was clear that changes were needed.
Enter Pete Carroll, a head coach known for emphasizing a strong run game as part of his offensive philosophy. He wasn't going to stand for anything less than a solid ground attack, which is why the Raiders bolstered their offensive line and recruited more capable running backs in the offseason.
Among the new faces making waves in Vegas is first-round draft pick Ashton Jeanty. The rookie running back lit up the college scene last year, being hailed not only as the top back but also one of the finest offensive players in his class.
With Jeanty in their ranks, the Raiders have a formidable workhorse to carry the rushing load—a role once filled by Josh Jacobs. Coming from Boise State, Jeanty brings tough, tackle-breaking abilities coupled with breakaway speed that provides potential for game-changing plays.
But the upgrades don’t stop there. To complement Jeanty, the Raiders also signed veteran speedster Raheem Mostert.
Though he's a seasoned player, Mostert still possesses that electrifying burst, making him a perfect change-of-pace option. His presence offers Jeanty some relief and injects a different tempo into the Raiders' offense, setting the stage for a rejuvenated running game.
A strategic and potent rushing attack could indeed lead to greater respect from opposing defenses, leading them to stack the box more frequently. This defensive attention could create ideal scenarios for Chip Kelly to unleash the Raiders’ passing game through play-action opportunities and deep passes. As the saying goes, "A rising tide lifts all boats," and the rise in Las Vegas this season could well stem from the ground up, via their revamped running strategy.
In essence, the Raiders are poised for a marked improvement offensively. The bedrock of this transformation?
Dominance in the trenches and a potent run game. Keep your eyes peeled for a dramatically different Raiders offense as the season unfolds.
