The passing game has been efficient, and at times, deadly, for the 2020 Las Vegas Raiders. Moving forward, the Silver and Black will need their running game to catch up at some point soon.
Josh Jacobs has struggled in the early going for the Raiders. In fact, he is only averaging 3.4 yards per carry. Compared to how he carried the offense at times last year, it is quite the drop-off. Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, the Alabama standout only accounted for 17 rushing yards, and no one is taking it harder than the running back himself. The word that Jacobs used to describe his performance was ‘embarrassing‘, ouch. At the same time, we all can see Jacobs wants to do better, not just for himself but for his teammates.
This all doesn’t necessarily fall on the shoulders of Jacobs, the Raiders offensive line he ran behind is not the same as last year’s. The unit hasn’t been whole since opening week, in particular, missing guard Richie Incognito has been huge. As Jerry McDonald of the Mercury News pointed out via Twitter, all of Jacobs’ numbers are down.
Raiders’ Josh Jacobs through six games in 2020/2019:
Rushing yards: 394/554
Yds per game: 65.7/92.3
Carries: 116/109
Touchdowns: 5/4
Ypc: 3.4./5.1
Long run: 16/51
Tackle for loss: 13/5— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) October 28, 2020
Related: Two Major Concerns Raiders Must Address Sooner Or Later
What Should the Raiders expect on Sunday vs the Browns?
As the team prepares for Sunday’s matchup versus the Cleveland Browns, Josh is both aware of the problem and optimistic. He recognizes that here in the early going, opposing teams are making it a point to stop the running game. Adding that he has seen ‘more seven-man boxes‘ but in the end, it still ‘comes down to execution.‘
As far as the optimism, Jacobs does believe it is only a matter of time before the Raiders can get the rushing attack in full swing.
#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs says the team has been close to breaking some long runs. He adds he’s his biggest critic and tries to nitpick things he can be better in and pushes himself every day.
‘It’s just a matter of time before everything starts clicking.’
— Carlos Sánchez (@HaeruHariken) October 28, 2020
This Sunday might be a good time for things to ‘start clicking’ if the Raiders want to go hunting for a playoff spot. It will not be a cakewalk against the Browns, they have only given up 645 rushing yards and 3.8 yards per rush against their opponents. It might take different elements such as playcalling, patience, and Jacobs’ legs to finally get the running game, better late than never for the Raiders.
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*Top Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports