Josh Jacobs Makes Early Case for Rookie of the Year
By Nick Ellis
Kyler Murray has been considered the favorite to win this season’s Rookie of the Year award, but Josh Jacobs made an early case for the award on Monday Night, recording over 100 total yards and two touchdowns in a 24-16 victory over the Broncos.
The Oakland Raiders used Jacobs early and often on Monday Night Football, handing him the ball on the first snap all the way to the last. Jacobs had never had over 20 carries in his career at Alabama, but that changed in his first pro game.
Jacobs rushed the ball 23 times against a defense that was proclaimed as one of the best in the NFL, tallying 85 yards and two touchdowns. He also had one catch that went for 28 yards late in the game, where he showed his power, running over multiple players and breaking tackles down the field.
Jacobs showed why the Raiders took him in the first round, as he can do it all. Jacobs was able to show off his ability to be patient and find the hole multiple times in the game, cutting at the last second to find the open field and gain yards on plays that most players could not.
Jacobs also showed off his power, scoring two touchdowns at the goal line, once where he jumped over the pile into the end zone, and once where he lowered his pads and ran through the line behind Alec Ingold.
Jacobs was a huge part in the offensive success last night, as the Broncos were left guessing every play due to Jacobs’ success. The Broncos were helpless against play action because they were so worried about Jacobs getting the ball and running through them.
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The Raiders have not had a running back with this much talent in a long time, and it showed Monday night. Jacobs was the first back to record over 100 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in his first game since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2001.
The Raiders drafted Jacobs not only for his skills, but because he had fresh legs. Jacobs is going to get these kinds of workloads every single game, so expect a lot of games just like this throughout the season.