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Raiders Mailbag: How has Alexander Mattison carved out a bigger role?

Keith Lubin asks:

"What's the chance of Alexander Mattison becoming RB1 over Zamir White?"

The Raiders were finally able to cut loose in the running game against the Cleveland Browns, totaling 152 rushing yards in the Week 4 win. They're 6-1 since the start of last season when they run for at least 100 yards.

"It's something we've been working on for three weeks. No, let's go back, even since the preseason games, like, 'Hey man, let's get this running game going,'" Antonio Pierce said. "Let's get some positive yards, let's get these chunk runs, these explosive runs. And that really showed up."

The Silver and Black will still more than likely rely on Zamir White in the backfield, who rushed for 50 yards against Cleveland. However, we may see more of a running back by committee approach as Alexander Mattison's playmaking ability will afford him more opportunities.

"He's deserved more reps, and he'll get them," Pierce said.

The former Minnesota Vikings running back averaged 12 yards a carry against the Browns and scored a touchdown in each of the Raiders' first three games. He's also been a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield, with seven receptions for 80 yards.

Irene Sanders asks:

"Who are some players that can help with our O-line?"

As of late, the offensive line has received some key production from rookies Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze.

The two 2024 draft picks didn't miss a single snap of action in last Sunday's matchup, with Glaze filling in for an injured Thayer Munford Jr. at right tackle. Powers-Johnson split time at both guard positions, switching over to the right side for an injured Dylan Parham late in the game. Glaze only allowed one pressure against the Browns while Powers-Johnson didn't allow a single pressure.

"I'm not going to slow Jackson down," Pierce said. "We've just got to be smart so that we don't have any penalties, but the physicality and the intent is there, and that's what we want up front."

While Glaze's starting role is still in question depending on Munford's health, Powers-Johnson may have provided a big enough sample size to continue starting at left guard. The main goal is continuing to develop his game and being consistent snap to snap.

"I definitely think I can improve more on my technique and refining it," Powers-Johnson said, "but I feel like I played with a lot of juice and physicality and I'm going to keep doing that."

View director of photography Michael Clemens' top picks of black and white photos from the Raiders' Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.

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