Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White has done enough to earn the starting job heading into 2024

Zamir "Zeus" White proved he is more than capable of starting

Zamir White had a strong four-game stretch to close out the season. He had two games with over 100 yards rushing and eclipsed 60-plus yards in all four. He ran for 397 yards with one touchdown and averaged 99.25 yards per game during the stretch. The blatant physical nature of his running style was evident. 

In those four games, when White faced 8-plus defenders in the box, he gained 127 yards on 17 carries for one touchdown and 84 yards coming after contact. He has that "closer" mentality late in games. Remember how he iced the game versus the would-be Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas night? The tweet is below.

The 6-foot, 215-pound RB proved down the stretch this season that he is more than capable of starting for this team. The former 5-star recruit has been viewed as an NFL talent for years before entering the 2022 NFL Draft. Zeus brings that old-school downhill running style to the backfield. With a head coach like Antonio Pierce, who is a bit old school himself, it feels like destiny. 

It is like Pierce throwing on a CD of Nas's album Stillmatic, giving him the good old days feeling again. 

Even if the Raiders desire to retain Jacobs, they should take a long and hard look at the ramifications and possibilities. Is his best football behind him? Will the return on the investment be worthwhile? These are necessary questions to ask before kicking out cash. Especially with White in the backfield. 

Closing thoughts

White proved in that small sample size what he is capable of with the right volume of touches. The Raiders need to upgrade the quarterback position to see the full potential of what Pierce is trying to build in Las Vegas. If given the chance, White can be a breakout candidate similar to Los Angeles Rams RB Kyren Williams, who finished the season top-5 in rushing yards. Feed Zeus in 2024!