When you think of the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense this season, you think of slow starts, missed red zone opportunities, and an unimpressive Josh Jacobs.
Jacobs has been plagued by injuries in his third year, missing two games altogether and pieces of others. The Raiders running back had two great years in his first two seasons, but in his prove-it year, he’s fallen short. It’s unarguable to say that Josh Jacobs has the most to prove this week.
Jacobs needs to step up…
While Jacobs needs to step up, we all know it’s not entirely his fault. The Raiders’ offensive line has continuously ranked in the bottom tier of the league for run-blocking, frustrating everyone in Raider Nation, including Jacobs.
Jacobs had previously told the media, “Sometimes on plays I’m like, ‘S—, I don’t know what y’all want me to do. Honestly,” he said, referring to the offensive line. Having an offensive line as young as Las Vegas’s is sure to have some growing pains, but I think these struggles may have exceeded even the coaching staff’s wildest thoughts.
The former prodigy running back has yet to rush for 100 yards in a game this season, with a season-high of 87 yards in Week 12. Jacobs does have seven touchdowns, but has only found the endzone twice since Week 9.
At his press conference last week, Jacobs took the opportunity to tell the media that he believes the Raiders need to start faster. A few days later, he fumbled the ball on the first play of the game, setting up a Kansas City “Scoop and Score” and a total blowout of the Raiders.
Jacobs is eligible for a contract extension after this season. He made the Pro Bowl last year and looked to be the next great Raiders running back. This season, he has yet to prove to the Raiders why they should keep him around.
Meanwhile, Raiders fans have been pleading with the Silver and Black to improve their ground game. Derek Carr has proven (sometimes) that he is able to keep the passing game above average while the run game has consistently fallen short. This week in a must-win primetime game is the perfect time to do it.
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*Top Photo: Chris Unger/Getty Images
