Despite the offensive ups and downs, the Las Vegas Raiders have something special in the duo of Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams. With three games left, they can become the first running back/wide receiver duo to reach 1,500 yards, respectively, since Mike Anderson and Rod Smith on the 2000 Denver Broncos. To say these players are important to the Raiders’ success would be an understatement. However, it begs the question: Who is the most valuable?
The Raiders have the best WR in the league in Davante Adams
It only took one game in the Silver and Black threads to shake off the doubt. It doesn’t matter where Adams ends up; he is a problem for opposing defenses league-wide. Despite inconsistent quarterback play, Adams has posted an absurd 1,275 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 games. As a result, he accounts for 38% of the Raiders’ receiving yards and 52% of their receiving touchdowns.
If the stats don’t prove Adams’ importance, it’s time to look at the Raiders’ second-half meltdowns. Adams has three receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown in all combined second halves in games where Vegas has a double-digit halftime lead. The Raiders are 1-4 in those games. The formula is simple: give the ball to your best player and let him make plays. It is difficult to imagine what the Raiders’ offense would look like without their top receiving threat.
Josh Jacobs is the NFL’s leading rusher
In a contract year, Jacobs has been far and away the best back in football. The fourth-year man has totaled a league-best 1,495 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns thus far in his 2022 campaign. On top of that, he has posted a career high of 363 receiving yards, making him a reliable outlet for Derek Carr. After getting hurt the last two seasons, Jacobs is showing that he is more than ready to lead an offense.
Not only is Jacobs enjoying a phenomenal solo campaign, he also accounts for roughly 85% of the Raiders’ rush yards. This is the highest since the Cardinals’ Edgerrin James in 2006. Consequently, the Raiders have rewritten their early-season pass-first game plan to fit the success of Jacobs. With the young back single-handedly winning games, there’s nobody more valuable on the offensive side of the ball.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel