The Las Vegas Raiders found their franchise running back when they drafted Josh Jacobs in 2019. Although the team as a whole didn’t have a successful season, Jacobs thrived in his rookie campaign. Quarterback Derek Carr acknowledges how good the running back was and how tough he was last year.
Josh Jacobs ran hard for the Raiders and Derek Carr in spite of the circumstances
The Raiders finished the 2019 season with a 7-9 record. Even though they started the year strong, they eventually wore down and had a very slim chance to make it to the playoffs. The fact they missed Jacobs for the last three games didn’t help the matter. They needed a strong push and their star running back wasn’t available to help them.
Nobody blamed Jacobs for missing three games. After all, his shoulder was hurting and he played in spite of it. Eventually, the pain was too much to overcome and the Raiders had to shut the running back down. If it had been up to Jacobs, he still would’ve taken the field, but the team did the right thing and saved the player from himself. Jacobs wasn’t happy to miss the Raiders last three games of the 2019 season. Even if the chances of qualifying to the postseason were low, the running back would’ve done what he could to help his team. In fact, he laments the fact he couldn’t contribute, a testament to being the competitor he is.
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The Raiders got themselves a man of character in Josh Jacobs
Jacobs’ sense of helplessness wasn’t lost on his teammates. In a recent Zoom session with Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee, Carr confided Jacobs thought he had failed his teammates this past season.
What was crazy is when they told him he couldn’t play his eyes filled with tears and he felt like he let the team down.
If anything, the Raiders failed Jacobs and not the other way around. The Silver and Black failed to capitalize on the rookie’s performance in 2019. Even though he didn’t suit up for three games, Jacobs’ 1,150 yards on the ground were good for eighth on the rushing leaderboard last year. Moreover, his 4.8 yards per carry average made the top ten too. If the Raiders had the 24th ranked scoring offense in 2019, it sure wasn’t because of the running back.
Also in the interview, Carr says he sees “Hall of Fame” potential in his teammate.
He’s a super special player that can be a Hall of Fame-type player.
Besides the fact Jacobs could reach the ultimate football achievement, Carr praised the running back for playing hurt and showing toughness. The Raiders can’t just waste Jacobs’ effort one more season. It’s great that they are aware of his contributions. Similarly, they made a step in the right direction when they acquire some offensive weapons this offseason to ease the load off their star running back shoulders.
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Top Photo: Charlie Riedel/Associated Press