Film Room: Kubiak’s Masterplan to Unleash Mike Washington Jr.
Raiders’ New Running Back Duo: Mike Washington Jr. and Ashton Jeanty
The Big Picture: A New Vision for Raiders Football
The Las Vegas Raiders have a clear plan for the 2026 season: play smash-mouth, physical football. They showed this by drafting Mike Washington Jr. in the fourth round to team up with Ashton Jeanty. Think of it like adding a second superhero to your team—each has special powers, and together they’re even stronger.
IMPORTANT POINT
The Raiders aren’t just collecting running backs—they’re building a specific identity. They want to control games by running the ball effectively with two different but complementary styles.
Meet Mike Washington Jr.
Mike Washington Jr. is a rookie running back who played college football at Arkansas. Here’s what makes him interesting:
- Draft Position: 4th Round (2026 NFL Draft)
- College Team: Arkansas Razorbacks
- Special Skill: "Home run ability" — he can break a big play at any moment
- Role: Part of a "one-two punch" with Ashton Jeanty
College vs. Pro: Different Play Styles
This is where it gets really interesting. Washington Jr. learned one way to run in college, but the Raiders use a different system.
The Arkansas System: "Gap Scheme"
- What it means: Running backs aim for specific "gaps" (holes) between offensive linemen
- Think of it like: Following a map with predetermined routes
- Washington Jr.’s experience: This was his primary system at Arkansas
The Raiders System: "Wide Zone Scheme" (Coach Klint Kubiak)
- What it means: The whole offensive line moves sideways together, creating running lanes that develop as the play unfolds
- Think of it like: Surfing a wave—you have to read the movement and pick your spot
- Coach’s preference: Kubiak loves this system
THE BIG QUESTION
How do you take a player trained in one system and make him shine in a completely different one?
Preseason Debut: A Glimpse of the Future
The first preseason game of 2026 gave fans their first real look at Washington Jr. in a Raiders uniform. The results were exciting:
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Carries | 6 |
| Total Yards | 63 |
| Longest Run | 53 yards (explosive!) |
| Average per Carry | 10.5 yards |
That’s not a typo—10.5 yards per carry in his very first NFL game!
Breaking Down the Plays: How Kubiak Used Him
The coaching staff had a specific plan for Washington Jr.’s six carries. Let’s break it down:
The Strategy: "Get Him in Space"
Coach Kubiak wants Washington Jr. running where he has room to operate—like giving a race car an open track instead of a crowded parking lot.
Play-by-Play Breakdown
1⃣ Three Wide Zone / Toss Plays (The New System)
These plays use Kubiak’s preferred wide zone scheme:
Example: 2nd Quarter Outside Zone Play
- Snap: Offensive line moves sideways in unison
- Read: Washington Jr. patiently watches blocks develop
- Decision: He sees the lane opening to the outside
- Execution: Bursts through for 4 yards
- Key Skill: Patience — he didn’t rush, he let the play come to him
2⃣ Three Gap Scheme / Duo Plays (His Comfort Zone)
These plays use the system he knows from Arkansas:
What is "Duo"? (Explained simply)
- Starting Point: RB aims for the "strong-side A gap" (the hole next to the center on the tight end side)
- The Read: He watches how defenders react to blocks
- The Choice: He picks any gap that opens up — left, right, or straight ahead
- The Result: Improvisation within structure
The Big Play: 53-Yard Touchdown Run (Duo Play)
- Start: Washington Jr. begins flowing to the strong-side A gap
- Blocking: Offensive line creates excellent protection
- Second Level: He breaks past the first line of defenders
- Open Field: Uses his speed and vision for a 53-yard explosion
- Finish: Does the rest himself — pure playmaking ability
Why This Duo Could Be Special
The "One-Two Punch" Concept
| Player | Style | Superpower |
|---|---|---|
| Ashton Jeanty | Power / Consistency | Grinds out tough yards, wears down defenses |
| Mike Washington Jr. | Explosive / Home Run | Breaks big plays, scores from anywhere |
Complementary Skills
- Defenses can’t prepare for just one style
- Fresh legs all game — rotate two quality backs
- Scheme flexibility — Kubiak can call any run play effectively
KEY TAKEAWAY
Washington Jr. proved he can succeed in BOTH systems — Kubiak’s wide zone and the gap schemes he knows from college. That versatility makes him incredibly valuable.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
- More Preseason Reps — Build chemistry with offensive line
- Regular Season Test — See how he handles live bullets
- Role Definition — Exact snap counts and situation usage
- Duo Development — Jeanty and Washington Jr. learning to feed off each other
Summary
- Raiders drafted Mike Washington Jr. (4th round, 2026) to pair with Ashton Jeanty
- Goal: Smash-mouth identity with a dynamic two-back system
- Challenge: Washington Jr. played "gap scheme" at Arkansas; Raiders run "wide zone"
- Solution: Kubiak uses BOTH schemes — 50/50 split in first game
- Result: 63 yards on 6 carries (10.5 avg) with a 53-yard explosion
- Proof of Concept: Washington Jr. excels in both systems — patient in wide zone, explosive in duo/gap
- Outlook: Legitimate "one-two punch" that keeps defenses guessing
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What’s the difference between "gap scheme" and "wide zone" in simple terms?
A: Gap scheme = "Run to this specific hole." Wide zone = "Run sideways with the line and find the hole as it opens." One follows a map; the other reads the terrain.
Q: Why does it matter that Washington Jr. ran both schemes well?
A: It means the Raiders don’t have to limit their playcalling when he’s in the game. They can run anything — defenses can’t predict what’s coming.
Q: What is a "duo" play exactly?
A: It’s a gap scheme run where the RB starts toward one specific gap (strong-side A gap) but then reads the blocks and can cut to any opening. It’s structured freedom.
Q: How does this help Ashton Jeanty?
A: Defenses must prepare for two completely different runners. They can’t just stack the box for power runs — Washington Jr. might take it outside for a touchdown. It keeps defenses honest.
Q: Is it rare for a rookie to look this good in Week 1 of preseason?
A: Yes! Most rookies struggle with NFL speed and complexity. Washington Jr.’s patience (on wide zone) and vision (on duo) suggest advanced football IQ for a first-year player.
This article breaks down the Raiders’ exciting new backfield combination. As the 2026 season unfolds, watch how Kubiak continues to deploy both runners — the chess match between offense and defense just got a lot more interesting!