If the Raiders are going to make a run at the playoffs this season, their offense is going to need to produce at an elite level. And for that to happen, they will likely do it behind their massive offensive line and star running back.
In 13 games as a rookie, Josh Jacobs tallied over 1,300 yards despite dealing with a significant shoulder injury. Enter Year 2, Jacobs appears set to make a run as the league’s leading rusher.
In a recent piece by Dan Hanzus of NFL.com, he wrote about the possibility of Jacobs becoming the league’s MVP. Take a look at Hanzus’ thoughts about Jacobs entering the 2020 season:
With all due respect to Kyler Murray (who will pop up later this week in the second part of this column), Jacobs deserved Offensive Rookie Of the Year honors in 2019. He was one of the most productive running backs in football before a shoulder injury curtailed his season in December. Pro Football Focus graded Jacobs out as the league’s most elusive rusher to go with a top-five grade in yards after contact. Add the comments made by general manager Mike Mayock, who said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he expected Jacobs to have a bigger role in the Raiders’ passing game in 2020. We’re about to see Jacobs make a jump to All-Pro-level production in Year 2.
If Jacobs can stay healthy for a full 16-game schedule, it’s not impossible that’s could eclipse 2,000 total yards and double-digit touchdowns. But for him to truly be an MVP candidate, he would need to help lead the Raiders to a winning record and a playoff berth. That’s a tough ask for a second-year running back, but Jacobs has already shown he’s an elite talent capable of surpassing expectations.
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