Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Zamir White Can Keep it Going vs. Colts' D

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 12/31/23

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium later this afternoon.

This game has significant postseason implications for both teams, as the Colts hold the No. 7 seed in the AFC, and the Raiders are trying to sneak into that spot with a win.

The Raiders will lean on second-year running back Zamir White again this week, as Josh Jacobs is listed as doubtful and will likely miss his third straight game with a quad injury. White has given the Raiders solid production in the two games Jacobs has missed, carrying the ball 39 times for 214 yards and a touchdown.

White had the best game of his career last week against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium with 22 carries for 145 yards. He had two runs late in the fourth quarter that put the game out of reach for the Chiefs.

White will try to carry his momentum into this game against the Colts, who have struggled to stop the run this season. They rank 28th in the league in run defense, allowing 130.7 yards per game on the ground.

The Colts have talented players on their defense, including linebacker Zaire Franklin, who is tied for the league lead in tackles, and defensive end DeForest Buckner, a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-Team All-Pro. However, they have been unable to stop teams from gashing them on the ground this season.

The Colts have allowed four players to reach 100 yards or more against them this season: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White, and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.

Pro Football Focus grades the Colts’ run defense at 58.3, which ranks 23rd in the NFL. According to PFF’s Arjun Menon, the Colts have allowed 42 explosive rush plays (rush plays that resulted in a gain of 10 yards or more) in 2023, which ranks bottom-10 in the NFL.

This is an opportunity for White to have another big game as the Raiders try to win their eighth game of the season. He was able to break off big runs against the Chiefs, but he also was effective in controlling the clock and taking care of the football. He must do that again and keep the ball away from the Colts’ dangerous offense.

The Silver and Black continue the season on New Year's Eve versus the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis. Don't miss it on Sunday, December 31, at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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