Oakland Raiders Week 3 X-Factors against the Minnesota Vikings

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders jumps in to the crowd after scoring his second touchdown of the game against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders jumps in to the crowd after scoring his second touchdown of the game against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Josh Jacobs

Since the rookie has accounted for about 75 percent of the team’s rushing attempts, he could probably be listed as an x-factor every week. However, Josh Jacobs’ abilities as a receiver are what make him even more important for Week 3.

Part of the reason general manager Mike Mayock spent a first round pick on the Alabama product, is his ability to be a difference maker in the passing game. Despite Jacob’s talent as a receiver, he has only been targeted once this season. Sunday is the perfect opportunity to show off the back’s versatility.

Linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr are exceptional run defenders, yet both struggle in coverage. Last season the former allowed 7.9 yards per target and a quarterback rating of 90.7, and the latter surrendered 8.4 and 130.9. Josh Jacobs is a matchup nightmare for the Vikings, and head coach Jon Gruden needs to tap into the young back’s receiving abilities to get the offense back on track.

Schedule