Raiders

NFL Players Universally Respect Raiders RB Josh Jacobs

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray may have won the Associated Press 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. Nevertheless, football players and non-media see things differently. Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs may not have finished his rookie season, but his play didn’t go unrecognized.

When the list of the Top 100 2020 NFL players, which is voted on by players was dropped, there was a huge disparity between the Rookie of the Year, and the runner up. Jacobs showed up 18 places ahead of Murray. 

Wait, what?

Josh Jacobs was the presumptive favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year up until he wasn’t. Jacobs’ only flaw was the most crucial of all, availability. Jacobs was not able to finish his rookie season. Ultimately, that was the determining factor in Murray winning the accolade. Meanwhile, players get a chance to vote on their top 100 players every season.

Related Link: Raiders QB Derek Carr Praises Teammate Josh Jacobs’ Toughness

Raiders running back Josh Jacobs No. 72

https://twitter.com/RaiderPosts/status/1287582752527843330?s=20

Jacobs revived an offense and a team as a rookie. His play spoke volumes and inspired his teammates. His rookie season was a continuation of his previous three at the University of Alabama. Had the former Crimson Tide running back finished the year, he would have flirted with 1,500 rushing yards.

Personally, I think the players should also be able to vote on and release season awards of their own. Peers in an industry have a much better and deeper understanding of what it takes to be great. So do the folks at EA Sports.

Madden Ratings

In this crazy America we live in, a player is judged most harshly not by his coach, but by his Madden Football rating. Nothing is more precious. The majority of the players in the NFL have grown up playing the legendary best-selling video game franchise. Each player, without a doubt, has created himself on the game and a low rating is viewed as disrespecting their abilities and skills.

After a highly productive rookie campaign, Jacobs earned himself a 88 rating, tying him with Alvin Kamara of the Saints and ninth overall. His tackle-breaking metric was a 94 second amongst all running backs behind only Nick Chubb. His toughness goes without saying, he played the majority of the season with a fractured shoulder and elbow issues.

With Jacobs in the lineup, the Raiders were able to overcome the lack of healthy and productive receivers. Without Jacobs, the offense completely fell apart. It was hard to watch the lack of a run game and the struggle of the passing game. Imagine how good Jacobs was as a rookie that he still earned consideration from the AP for Rookie of the Year despite not finishing the season.

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You May Also Like: Raiders Training Camp Primer: Special Teams

Top Photo: Nhat V. Meyer | Credit: Bay Area News Group

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