Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders: 3 things to watch

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 29: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball against Clayton Geathers #26 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Get Josh Jacobs the ball 25 plus times

In the 2019 NFL Draft the Raiders used one of their three first round picks to select a running back. Josh Jacobs was the selection, and the Raiders received some criticism for taking a running back so early when it has been proven that teams can find talented rushers later in the draft. That criticism has faded as Jacobs has looked stellar through the first four weeks of the season.

With how solid Jacobs has looked, it is still a mystery why the Raiders have not utilized him as much as they should. His highest workload came in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos when he carried the rock 23 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns en route to a dominating win. Since then, his carry marks have been 12, 10, and 17.

Jacobs did work through an illness and groin issue, which hindered his snaps, but the fact of the matter is that the Raiders need to give him the ball as much as they can. To beat the Bears they will need to be able to run the ball. That will obviously be a huge challenge as the Bears have the third best run defense this season, only allowing 61.5 rushing yards per game.

Regardless of how stout the Bears defense is, getting Jacobs the ball has to be the priority on Sunday. Carries is only part of the equation as well, the Raiders must get Jacobs involved in the passing game. On three receptions Jacobs has 57 yards, an average 19 yards per catch. A small sample size, sure, but why not explore that a little more?

The Raiders need to control the clock and keep the Bears defense on their heels, and both of those things happen by getting the ball to Jacobs and letting him work.

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