Winning in the desert is hard. It’s hot, the lights are blindingly bright, and the pressure of a "win-now" fan base is always simmering just beneath the surface. For years, the conversation around the silver and black has been about the aerial attack, but if you look at the tape, the real story is the Las Vegas running backs. These guys are the engine. Without a consistent ground game, the entire offense just sort of sputters out like a car running on fumes in the middle of a Nevada dry lake bed.
Football is changing. We know this. Analytics departments are screaming about passing on first down and the "running backs don’t matter" mantra has been echoed in every front office from New York to San Francisco. But try telling that to a defensive coordinator who has to figure out how to stop a 220-pound athlete from hitting the A-gap for the twentieth time in four quarters. It’s exhausting. It breaks wills. In Las Vegas, the running back position isn't just a supporting role; it’s a strategic necessity that opens up the play-action and keeps the defense honest.
Honestly, the history of the backfield since the move to Vegas has been a bit of a rollercoaster. We’ve seen high-profile departures, surprising breakout stars, and a constant shifting of philosophies. It’s never simple.
The Evolution of the Backfield Philosophy
When the team first landed in the desert, there was this heavy reliance on a "bell-cow" system. You know the type. One guy gets 25 carries, takes all the hits, and hopefully drags the team across the finish line. Josh Jacobs was that guy for a long time. He was a monster. He led the league in rushing in 2022 because he was basically a walking highlight reel of vision and brute strength. But that kind of usage takes a toll. It’s unsustainable.
Fast forward to the current era, and the philosophy has shifted toward a more versatile, committee-based approach. It makes sense. You need different tools for different jobs. You wouldn't use a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame, right? Same logic applies here. You need a banger for the goal line, a pass-catcher for third-and-long, and a speedster who can take a screen pass 40 yards to the house.
The current roster reflects this. It’s about "complementary football." If one guy is a north-south runner who initiates contact, the next guy coming in is probably a shifty, lateral-movement specialist who makes defenders miss in open space. This "Thunder and Lightning" dynamic isn't new to football, but the way Las Vegas running backs are being integrated into the modern West Coast hybrid scheme is actually pretty nuanced.
Zamir White and the Power Element
Zamir White is an interesting study in patience. For a while, he was waiting in the wings, just a name on the depth chart while the veterans took the bulk of the snaps. But when he finally got his shot, you could see why the scouts liked him. He runs with a certain kind of violence. It’s not just about getting yards; it’s about punishing the guy trying to tackle him.
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His nickname, "Zeus," isn't just for show. The guy is built like a brick house. In the 2023 season, especially during that late-season stretch where the offense really started to find its identity, White proved he could handle the volume. He had four straight games with 20+ carries. That’s rare in today’s NFL. Most coaches are terrified of giving a back that much work, fearing injury or a drop-off in efficiency.
But White didn't drop off. He got stronger.
The fascinating thing about White’s game is his "one-cut" ability. He doesn't dance in the backfield. He sees the hole, plants his foot, and goes. In a league where defenses are getting faster and more athletic, that decisive style is a massive advantage. You don't give the linebackers time to shed their blocks. You're already past them before they can react.
The Role of Versatility: Alexander Mattison and the "Swiss Army Knife"
Then you have guys like Alexander Mattison. Bringing him into the fold was a savvy move for a front office that needed reliability. Mattison spent years in Minnesota being the ultimate "next man up" behind Dalvin Cook. He’s seen it all. He understands protection schemes, he’s a reliable target out of the backfield, and he doesn't fumble the ball.
Stability matters. In a high-stakes environment like Las Vegas, you can't have players who make mental errors. Mattison represents the veteran presence that keeps the room grounded.
- Pass Protection: This is the most underrated skill for any running back. If you can't block, you can't play. Mattison is elite at identifying the blitz and stepping up to meet a rushing linebacker.
- Red Zone Utility: When the field shrinks, space is at a premium. You need a back who can navigate traffic.
- Third Down Efficiency: Converting on 3rd and 3 is the difference between a touchdown drive and a punt.
Most people don't realize how much the passing game relies on these backs. It’s not just about the catches they make; it’s about the threats they pose. When a defense has to worry about a back leaking out into the flat, it pulls a defender away from the middle of the field. That creates a window for the star wideouts. It's all connected.
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Why the Ground Game Is Actually the Team's Identity
There is a misconception that Las Vegas is a "finesse" team. Maybe it’s the flashy stadium or the neon lights of the Strip, but people think this team wants to play basketball on turf. That’s a mistake. When this team wins, they win in the trenches.
The offensive line and the running backs have a symbiotic relationship. One cannot exist without the other. In 2024 and 2025, we saw a concerted effort to beef up the interior line to support the running game. Drafting players who specialize in "man-gap" schemes rather than just zone blocking was a clear signal. They want to dictate the terms of the engagement.
If the Las Vegas running backs are averaging 4.5 yards per carry, the game is basically over for the opponent. It allows the coach to control the clock, keep the defense rested, and—most importantly—keep the opposing quarterback on the sidelines. You can't score if you don't have the ball. It’s the oldest rule in football, and it’s still the most important one.
Misconceptions About the "Devalued" Running Back
We have to talk about the money. The national media loves to talk about how running backs are being devalued. And sure, the contracts aren't what they used to be compared to wide receivers or edge rushers. But "value" isn't just a dollar sign on a salary cap spreadsheet.
The value of a back in Las Vegas is measured in "hidden yardage." It’s the two yards gained on a play that should have been a three-yard loss. It’s the blitz pickup that gives the QB an extra second to find the deep threat. It’s the demoralizing 4-yard gain on 3rd and 2 that keeps the chains moving.
Critics will point to the passing stats and say that's where the game is won. They aren't entirely wrong, but they're missing the context. A dominant running game is the ultimate "force multiplier." It makes every other part of the offense better. When the defense has to put eight men in the box to stop Zamir White or a physical veteran, they are leaving their cornerbacks on an island. That’s when the big plays happen.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of the Position in Nevada
The draft remains the lifeblood of this position. Because the "shelf life" of a running back is shorter than other positions, you’re always looking for the next young talent. We’re seeing a trend toward drafting backs who have high "Relative Athletic Scores" (RAS) but also heavy college production.
The "Las Vegas style" moving forward seems to be focusing on durability and multi-phase contribution. They don't just want a runner; they want a football player. Someone who can play on special teams if needed, someone who can lead the huddle, and someone who understands that in this city, you have to show up every single Sunday.
What’s the actual takeaway for someone following this team? Stop looking at the total rushing yards as the only metric of success. Look at "Success Rate." Look at how many times a running back gains the necessary yardage to keep the drive alive. That’s the real stat that matters in the building.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
To truly understand the impact of the backfield in Las Vegas, you have to watch the game differently. Move your eyes away from the quarterback for a few snaps.
- Watch the "Check-Down" Timing: Notice how often the quarterback looks to the running back as a secondary or tertiary option. If the back is gaining 6-7 yards on these plays, the defense is in trouble.
- Observe the Fourth Quarter: This is when the Las Vegas running backs should shine. If the team has a lead, can they milk the clock? A "four-minute offense" relies entirely on the back's ability to stay in bounds and fall forward.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Because the team relies on a rotation, the health of the "third" back on the depth chart is often more important than people realize. A drop-off in talent at the bottom of the roster can kill the rotation's effectiveness.
- Evaluate the Blocking: Look at how the backs handle "free rushers." A back who can stone a blitzing safety is worth his weight in gold, regardless of how many rushing yards he gets.
The narrative that running backs are a dying breed is lazy. In Las Vegas, they are the heartbeat. They provide the physical edge that a team needs to survive a grueling 17-game schedule. Whether it's the raw power of the starters or the savvy playmaking of the depth pieces, the ground game remains the most reliable path to a championship. Next time you see a 2-yard plunge on first down, don't groan. Recognize it for what it is: the beginning of a physical breakdown of the opponent that will pay dividends in the fourth quarter.