Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders' Offensive Youth Has Bright Future

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 1/9/24

The Las Vegas Raiders concluded the 2023-24 season with an 8-9 record but discovered several positive aspects about their team going forward.

That includes the youth on the offensive side of the ball.

The Raiders have several skill position players who contributed to victories in 2023 and established themselves as Las Vegas’ foundation for years to come.

That includes second-year running back Zamir White, who started four games this season due to the injury to star running back Josh Jacobs. White rushed just 17 times for 70 yards in 2022 but saw his production skyrocket to 104 carries for 451 yards and a touchdown in 2023.

White had two games with over 100 rushing yards this season, including a career-high 145 yards on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs in an upset victory. White had two massive runs late in the fourth quarter to seal the game for the Raiders.

He rushed for 112 yards in the season finale against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. White, 24, established himself as a potential lead back as Jacobs enters free agency again this offseason.

Two of the Raiders’ 2023 NFL Draft selections became major factors on offense as the season went on. Wide receiver Tre Tucker and tight end Michael Mayer got more involved in the offense and produced late in the year.

Tucker finished his rookie season with 19 receptions for 331 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 17.4 yards per catch. Mayer finished the year with 27 receptions for 304 yards and two touchdowns but missed the final two games with a toe injury.

Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell became the full-time starter when Interim Coach Antonio Pierce took over, and he helped the Raiders win a few games with his arm. O’Connell completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 2,218 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

While the Raiders have experienced star players on offense, their young players filled in nicely and were significant factors in the Raiders’ second-half turnaround. These young players like White, Mayer, and Tucker should give Raiders fans a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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