The Raiders running back is making a name for himself and got rewarded with a permanent spot on the roster
The Las Vegas Raiders have struggled to run the ball most of the season. They are last in total rushing yards and yards per attempt. Zamir White and Alex Mattison were supposed to be a duo that replaced former first-round pick Josh Jacobs. However, this has not come to fruition, as neither player had success before their injuries.
The running game has come alive during the last two football games. One reason for the change in performance is young running back Sincere McCormick. McCormick is an undrafted free agent from the University of Texas San Antonio who was productive during his four years of college. He has been on the practice squad for the last two seasons and got his shot because of the injuries to the roster.
While he hasn’t had many carries, he has made the most of them. McCormick is averaging 5.7 yards a pop in the last two games on 17 carries and is rejuvenating the run game. He displays himself as a natural runner with patience and vision to help make an impact rushing the football.
During his debut against the Broncos, fans saw McCormick’s potential as an NFL back. On this duo run, he gets dominant blocks from the whole offensive line. McCormick does a great job staying patient before hitting the hole, allowing the play to develop. He then exhibits his upfield burst as he accelerates through the hole for a big gain.
Sincere McCormick earned more carries after this game.
Here, on the duo run, He shows patience allowing the blocks to set up before accelerating through the hole. JPJ, being a bully, and Glaze, with a nice block, set it up. pic.twitter.com/Wb5ZbQHPlx
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) November 25, 2024
Against the Broncos again, he shows his ability to allow blocks to develop before hitting the whole. The Raiders run counter on this play, and McCormick gets down blocks from Kolton Miller and Jordan Meredith. He waits for Mayer to come through the opening first before accelerating and gets a five-yard run on the play. While it wasn’t a huge play, it kept the Raiders ahead of schedule on first down.
Raiders put Mauga at FB on a couple of runs.
Monster ace block from Miller and Merideth open this up and nice patience again from McCormick for a gain of 5. pic.twitter.com/ccqj4N4YiA
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) November 25, 2024
McCormick displayed his ability to break tackles and make people miss on Black Friday vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders were running outside the zone, but Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton read it quickly, and Dylan Parham couldn’t get to him on time. It could have been a dead play, but McCormick gave a stiff arm to Bolton, shedding the tackle and getting seven on the play.
Parham can’t get to Bolton and he shoots the gap but McCormick just gives him a mean stiff arm and still gets 7. Kid can play. pic.twitter.com/wLDrcbUoLL
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) December 2, 2024
On this run, the Raiders get creative with the inside zone while pulling Parham. DJ Glaze was able to control Chris Jones, and every other lineman was winning their blocks. McCormick waits for the blocks to develop, then shows off his burst, hitting the hole. He sheds a tackle in the second level and turns it into a 17 yard run.
This was the best the offensive line looked all year. This group of five is starting to gel.
Plus Mayer with the pancake. pic.twitter.com/2ZULS66SyV
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) December 1, 2024
On this last run, McCormick’s agility stands out in the play. Raiders are running mid-zone, and while blocks develop, the former UTSA Roadrunner sees the cutback lane. He then uses a jump cut to the hole and gets good yardage on the play.
McCormick’s potential as an NFL running back is starting to shine on the football team. Now, being signed to the active roster, he will get his chance to solidify himself in this league. He has made the most of his opportunity so far, and the last two weeks have shown that it might continue.
