The Raiders finally found their rhythm in the running game against the Cleveland Browns, amassing 152 rushing yards in their Week 4 victory. They’ve won 6 of 7 games since last season when they rush for at least 100 yards.
Antonio Pierce noted, “We’ve been focusing on this for three weeks, and even during the preseason, we kept saying, ‘Let’s get the running game going.’ We wanted to achieve some positive yardage and create explosive runs, and that really showed today.”
The former Minnesota Vikings running back averaged 12 yards per carry against the Browns and scored touchdowns in each of the Raiders’ first three games. Additionally, he has been a dependable receiver, tallying seven catches for 80 yards.
Recently, the offensive line has seen significant contributions from rookies Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze.
The two 2024 draft picks played every snap in last Sunday’s game, with Glaze stepping in for the injured Thayer Munford Jr. at right tackle. Powers-Johnson rotated between both guard positions, moving to the right side when Dylan Parham was injured late in the game. Glaze allowed just one pressure against the Browns, while Powers-Johnson didn’t allow any.
“I’m not going to hold Jackson back,” Pierce stated. “We just need to be smart to avoid penalties, but the physicality and intent are there, which is exactly what we want up front.”
Glaze’s starting position remains uncertain depending on Munford’s recovery, but Powers-Johnson may have shown enough to keep his spot at left guard. The focus now is on continuing to develop his skills and maintaining consistency with each snap.
“I definitely believe I can enhance my technique and refine it further,” Powers-Johnson stated. “However, I felt like I played with a lot of energy and physicality, and I’m committed to maintaining that.”
