Silver And Black Pride
Showcasing decisiveness, speed, and racking up 202 yards on five kick returns this past Sunday, Raheem Mostert is providing a much-needed jolt for the Las Vegas Raiders special teams unit.
Leave it to a 33-year-old veteran to ignite what had been a slow-burn production in the Silver & Black’s return game.
A running back by trade, Mostert showcased the no hesitation, get up field fast, and vision against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Purdue product ripped off two big kick returns in the 30-29 overtime loss, the first of which was a 54-yarder that eventually lead to a go-ahead field goal in the third quarter. The second was a 51-yard return after the Jaguars scored the go-ahead touchdown in overtime. That field position gave the Raiders the ball at Jacksonville’s 45-yard line, and, nine plays later, Las Vegas scored the touchdown, but failed on the two-point try to lose by one point.
“Our resolve about hanging tough and keep coming back and keep working to finish the key drives three, four times, especially special teams returns,” Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said after Sunday’s loss. “Raheem’s returns were excellent and put us in field position where we could score from there.”
Mostert averaged 40.4 yards per return in Week 9 and on the year, the OG old-head running back has 13 total kick returns for 421 yards (a long of 54) and paces the NFL with an average of 32.4 yards per attempt. The league average is 25.8 yards per return and amongst the Top 5 kick returners in the league, Mostert is the oldest by seven years.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (26 years old) is second with an average of 32.2 yards per return and Washington Commanders receiver Luke McCaffrey (24 and who broke his collarbone in Sunday night’s tilt) is third at 29.6. New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis (23) follows with an average of 29.4 yards per return and Philadelphia Eagles tailback Will Shipley (23) rounds out the Top 5 with a 28.6 yards per return average.
The top kick return man in the league is Tennessee Titans wideout Chimere Dike who has 1,108 yards on 42 returns (long of 71) and an average per attempt of 26.4 yards. McCaffrey is second with 769 yards on 26 attempts (long of 58). There’s been only two house calls on kick returns this year: A 98 yard score from Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones and a 90-yard gallop by New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson.
While Mostert hasn’t had a carry as a traditional tailback since the Raiders’ 20-10 victory over the Titans in Week 6, his willingness to not only play special teams but breathing life into the return game can’t be understated. Fellow kick returner and running back, Dylan Laube, would be wise to absorb as much knowledge, ask questions, and watch film of Mostert’s returns. The 26-year-old tailback has 14 returns for 383 yards (long of 38) and is averaging 27.4...
