Presented By

Raiders Mailbag: Can the Silver and Black get the run game going in Baltimore?

Sep 11, 2024 at 01:00 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

John Vandagriff from California asked:

"How critical is it for the Silver and Black to be successful running the ball this season?"

Running the ball will be very critical, and that's evident from what happened in Week 1.

The Raiders couldn't capitalize on opportunities to move the ball down the field in SoFi Stadium as the run game halted multiple drives. Neither Zamir White nor Alexander Mattison could average more than four yards a carry.

"We didn't finish. We didn't finish up front," Antonio Pierce said. "Running backs got to stay on track and we've got to run with better pad level with our backs overall. I mean, some of these tackles, we've got breakthrough arm tackles. And I think just up front, we've got to finish."

The Raiders will be playing a stout Baltimore Ravens run defense that allowed 3.6 rushing yards a carry to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Nevertheless, if the offensive line can provide more consistent play upfront in Week 2, White and company could get the ball rolling on the road.

Related Links

Steve Burkey from California asks:

"Do you feel Gardner Minshew is still the answer at QB?"

On the box score, Gardner Minshew II had a decent showing to begin the season. He completed 75 percent of his passes for 257 yards, a touchdown and a 95.1 quarterback rating. When it came down to his performance in the loss, the issue was turnovers.

Toward the end of the first half, he fumbled the ball on a screen pass as the offense was about to enter scoring territory. He also threw an interception late in the game on a tipped pass as the offense was trying to make it a one score game. To have more success moving forward, taking care of the football will be a must.

"A little momentum change there, but look, not going to ever go back and reflect on that, it is what it is," Pierce said of Gardner's first-half fumble. "We had opportunities still in the game to have a chance to win, and I thought Gardner [Minshew], for the most part handled the operations, the tempo, what we wanted to accomplish. But again, you have to establish a running game. You can't just sit there and just drop back and just let these guys tee off on our quarterback."

Jim Rescorla from Texas asks:

"What will be done to improve the offensive line?"

I think more reps together will truly benefit the offensive line.

For the large majority of training camp, starting left tackle Kolton Miller was out still rehabbing from a shoulder injury. And while Cody Whitehair is familiar with Luke Getsy's system from his Chicago days, he's still getting accustomed to playing next to Miller, Andre James, Dylan Parham and Thayer Munford Jr. – who are all going into their third season together in the trenches.

Pierce pointed out Wednesday that interior blocking and short-yardage situations were the misfires for the offense last Sunday, which will be point of emphasis to refine at practice and in the film room throughout the week. As the line continues to get more reps together, things will hopefully start to click.

1 / 35

Athletes huddle during a Silver and Black Flag Football League preseason tournament at All American Park.