Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs had to wait longer than his fellow first-round picks to make his debut, but it was worth the wait.
Against the Cardinals on Thursday night, he carried the ball on Oakland’s first three plays from scrimmage and ran for 20 yards to set up the game’s first score, a touchdown pass from quarterback Derek Carr to wide receiver Ryan Grant.
Jacobs says he’s becoming accustomed to the NFL game rapidly, though he isn’t satisfied, according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur.
“I was mad at myself because they should have been bigger runs. But I was just knocking off the rust and things like that,” Jacobs said. “It’s slowing down for me already. That’s the only way I can really explain it.”
Jacobs looked the part of a high draft pick, showing athletic ability and awareness. Coach Jon Gruden previously said he wants to see how Jacobs responds to a heavy workload, but it appears that the test will have to wait. Jacobs exited the game for good after the Raiders’ initial drive.
It was expected that Jacobs would shine, but the Raiders’ season depends in large part on his ability being as advertised. He’ll only get better with more playing time, and his display Thursday night was a great sign for the rest of the campaign.
