Despite losing a handful of players, including the team’s All-Pro receiver and pass rusher, the Las Vegas Raiders were able to squeak out a win against the Cleveland Browns.
They accomplished this in a way that was novel for the squad this year—they ran the ball well. They actually ran for 100 yards for the first time this season, accumulating 152 yards, including two rushing touchdowns from DJ Turner and Tre Tucker.
Alexander Mattison led the way in the run game. With only five carries, the former Viking gained 60 yards at a pace of 12 yards per carry. He fared better than starting back Zamir White, and head coach Antonio Pierce said that will lead to more opportunities for him. On Monday, Pierce told reporters, “He’s deserved more reps, and he’ll get ’em.”
Whether or not this means he will be the starter is still to be seen, but Mattison is averaging more yards per rush than White, while also averaging more yards after contact (3.18) than White (2.12), than White, according to PFF. Mattison’s position will probably keep growing because he has also shown himself to be a more formidable danger in the passing attack.
The extent of his role will only become clear with time. However, he should have a solid test and an opportunity to seize the position this Sunday against Denver, who ranks as the No. 21 club in the NFL in run defense.
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