As the forecast calls for near-freezing temps, the Las Vegas Raiders will likely have a run-heavy approach against the Cleveland Browns. As such, Josh Jacobs will have to step up.Â
Struggling to get going
For the Raiders, the rushing offense has not been a factor this season. 29th in rushing yards per game, Las Vegas simply hasn’t been able to figure it out. When looking at the offensive line, however, it gives some clarity. With Richie Incognito and Denzelle Good not playing in all of 2021, Alex Leatherwood switching positions and struggling, and Brandon Parker playing significant snaps, the line has been weak in the run game. They have also dealt with injuries to all three running backs; Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake, and Jalen Richard.
Another reason for a lot of these struggles is Jacobs himself. He has not looked like the difference-maker of years past. Jacobs just doesn’t have the same burst as he did in years past. All of this could not come at the worst time for the young ball carrier either;Â he is looking to get paid here very soon.
Josh Jacobs is hungry for touchdowns pic.twitter.com/atr2kr1Ko7
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 25, 2021
No time like the present
For Jacobs, this could be his last chance to prove himself. He is in the midst of a dreadful season where he currently has just 496 yards and is averaging a paltry 45.1 yards per game. Of course, Jacobs has missed time this season, but he’s been regressing since 2019. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for a running back to get paid in the modern NFL. As for Jacobs, he’s not making it any easier for himself.
As mentioned, Monday’s forecast currently calls for weather around the 40-degree mark. Playing in poor weather in Cleveland is nothing new for the Raiders. They played in similar conditions there in 2020. In that game, Jacobs dominated. He totaled 31 carries for 129 yards and carried the offense as the Cleveland sky unleashed rain upon the Las Vegas offense. As Raiders fans know, Derek Carr regularly struggles in cold weather. It will be up to Jacobs and the run game to keep the Raiders’ playoff hopes alive today.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Ron Schwane