In today’s NFL, it is widely accepted that a running back’s success is mostly tired into the play of the offensive line in front of them. However, a running back can add a significant amount of value to the offense by their ability to break tackles and avoid defenders. Luckily for the Raiders, that is exactly what Josh Jacobs does best.
In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, the site ranked every starting running back elusiveness entering the 2020 season. Not surprisingly, Jacobs was ranked among the best in the league, coming at No. 2 behind only Nick Chubb. Here is a snippet of what senior writer Ben Linsey had to say about the Raiders’ star running back:
When it came to missed tackles forced per touch, his mark of 0.30 led the way by a wide margin. Jacobs coupled that with 3.5 yards after contact per rush and 9.6 yards after the catch per reception in limited usage as a receiver out of the backfield. That’s an area where the Raiders should continue to get Jacobs more involved. With Jacobs’ ability to make people miss, the Raiders should look to keep him on the field as much as possible.
Linsey also added that Jacobs was more elusive than Chubb last season, but due to just one year of production, that is why he finished at No. 2. Either way, it’s clear that Jacobs is one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL.
If Jacobs can stay healthy for 16 games in 2020, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him lead the league in rushing yards. Remember, he averaged just under 90 rushing yards per game last season and he dealt with a significant shoulder injury. And with all the weapons added to the offense this season, it points to Jacobs having a monster season for the Raiders.
