Raiders Name New Starter to Ignite Their Ground Game
As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for Monday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons, a new name has emerged as the leader of their ground attack, Sincere McCormick. Once an under-the-radar prospect, McCormick's rise to the role of starting running back results from hard work, perseverance, and a chance to play. On Wednesday, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce announced McCormick would be the starting running back. "He deserves it. Last week, he was running his tail off," Pierce said. "So, keep running it, keep pushing those numbers up, see if we can get him to 100."
From College Star to NFL Opportunity
McCormick first gained national attention at UTSA, where he shattered school records and cemented himself as one of college football's most productive running backs. With over 4,000 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in just three seasons, he could carry the load while showcasing elite vision and balance. Despite his stellar collegiate career, McCormick went undrafted in 2022, a fate many attributed to concerns about his size and competition level. The Raiders took a leap of faith in McCormick, signing him as an undrafted free agent. Despite his initial seasons being spent on the practice squad or in limited action, it was evident to coaches and teammates that McCormick possessed the potential to be a factor in the NFL.
Capitalizing on Opportunity
McCormick's journey to the starting role was not without its obstacles. The departure of star running back Josh Jacobs to the Green Bay Packers, following prolonged contract negotiations, was a significant blow. The team has also been decimated with injuries to the other backs, necessitating reevaluating their backfield rotation. McCormick got his first extended playing time a couple of weeks ago against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he rushed for 64 yards on 12 carries. Last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, McCormick rushed for 78 yards on 15 carries.
A Balanced Approach
What sets McCormick apart is his unique blend of skills. Despite not fitting the mold of a typical NFL running back in terms of size, he compensates with his quick cuts, exceptional field vision, and the ability to turn small gains into big plays. His proficiency in catching passes adds a dynamic dimension to the Raiders' offense. The Raiders offensive line is still a work in progress but could benefit from McCormick's quick decision-making and ability to create yards after contact. With quarterback Gardner Minshew, who the Raiders signed in the offseason, out for the year and Aidan O’Connell could be out Monday, it would leave the Raiders with Desmond Ridder starting, which could lead to many touches for McCormick.
The Road Ahead
While McCormick's emergence is a feel-good story, the NFL is a league that demands consistency. He will face stiff competition from defensive coordinators who will undoubtedly key in on him as the Raiders' primary offensive weapon. Staying healthy and maintaining his efficiency will be critical if McCormick is to sustain his early success. He will get a lot of chances to carry the ball in the Raiders' final few games.
