The Las Vegas Raiders lost their final preseason game 18-12 against the San Francisco 49ers, and now they get ready for the roster cutdown to just 53 players. But in the meantime, let's talk about the Raiders' revamped rushing attack during the exhibition slate, courtesy of Klint Kubiak.
In the three contests, the Raiders' running game averaged 5.0 yards per carry. Mike Washington Jr. led the way with a staggering 7.3 yards per carry, and the team had three runs of over 15 yards, with Washington Jr. having two runs of 30+ yards, including a 53-yarder.
It all ties back to the scheme that Kubiak puts on the field to run the ball. That attention to detail has helped the offensive line grow into a strong run-blocking unit under Rick Dennison that fans hope translates when the games actually mean something next month.
Klint Kubiak’s run scheme displays more than just wide zone
When it comes to running the ball, Kubiak is known for his wide zone scheme. However, in the preseason, he showed a mix of gap and zone runs, depending on the running back in the game. When Ashton Jeanty got his time in Week 1, fans saw mostly a zone scheme.
For Washington Jr., there was more emphasis on getting him running downhill in gap concepts.
That said, there was still a heavy dose of zone runs from the team, but at times, both schemes were put together. A great example is the play below. This run design was made famous by Kyle Shanahan, and it is called Zorro. After his motion, Michael Mayer wraps around like he is running a counter play.
The deception in this concept is in the offensive line. All the linemen run a zone-blocking scheme, which can help confuse the defensive line. It helps lead to a big gain for Washington Jr.
Kubiak has a great plan on how to use Washington.
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) August 28, 2026
Looks like an RPO on this one as Bowers runs a seam route.
Heyward bluffs the DE setting up the block for Mayer off the motion
Jack Bech with the crack block and another chunk gain. pic.twitter.com/RfjptVTiLp
One area that the Raiders struggled in last season was running classic trap designs. Chip Kelly famously ran this against the Chicago Bears on the final drive that led to Kolton Miller's injury, putting him out for the year.
This year, with a new coaching staff, fans are seeing an improved look at the same play.
In the play below, the Raiders execute extremely well. First, Spencer Burford makes a great block, allowing Caleb Rogers and DJ Glaze to get to the second level. Then they get a nice block from Jack Bech, which helps lead to a great run from Washington Jr.
Kubiak’s run game is going to be fun to watch.
— Marcus Johnson (@TheMarcJohnNFL) August 28, 2026
The trap call is set up nicely with a great block from Burford.
Glaze and Rogers both climb to the second level opening up the hole for Washington. pic.twitter.com/UlsE6836u4
Kubiak's imprint on the run game is clear as day. He is already an upgrade in that department from the inept run game in 2025 under Chip Kelly and in 2024 under Luke Getsy. Hopefully, what fans saw in the preseason makes it to the regular season.
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