Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs reinvigorated the team’s offense in his rookie year. After the team’s offseason additions, he could have an even bigger impact in his sophomore campaign.
Jacobs was likely the Raiders most valuable player on offense. His addition immediately lifted the offense and held his ground most of the time. In spite of missing three games, the running back finished the year with 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns. That was despite the fact he faced eight defenders in the box on 226 plays in 2019.
If Jacobs manages to stay healthy, he could have an even bigger impact in his sophomore year. The Raiders added Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards in this year’s draft, which should lighten some of the defensive fronts the running back saw last year. Likewise, the team’s offensive line will remain intact, which means they will continue paving the way for Jacobs.
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Jacobs needs to improve in one area
Analyst Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus seems to agree. In his latest article, he talked about second-year players in the NFL who could break out. Jacobs was part of that list.
Regarding the running back, Monson said, “I know Josh Jacobs rushed for 1,150 yards as a rookie, earning an 87.1 overall PFF grade along the way, but where the breakout can come in 2020 is as a receiver.
The analyst later talked about one area in which Jacobs can improve, “He dropped three of his 26 targets and had just a 55.4 receiving grade. But one of the things that made him look special as a prospect was his receiving talent — not just being able to catch passes out of the backfield, but line up as a legitimate wideout and show wideout skills. Jacobs didn’t show any of that in his first year and was split out wide or in the slot on just 20 of his 460 snaps, but he has the ability to be a true do-it-all back with matchup-problem skills as a receiver in his second season.”
With less loaded boxes and more offensive talent, Jacobs should also see more passes thrown his way. The Raiders’ new contributors on offense should help the sophomore elevate his talent to the next level.Â
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