Breaking down Josh Jacobs development for the Oakland Raiders
By Daniel Davis
Week 5 vs. Chicago Bears (London)
The Bears game was a statement game for the Raiders. Up until then, the only team with a halfway decent defense they played was the Vikings, and they got the better of the Raiders. The talk of the town in Oakland was about Derek Carr’s play and about the secondary for Oakland being atrocious ever since the Chiefs game.
But the Raiders had a statement to say.
The first run I wanted to talk about was the 21-yard run on their second possession. The Raiders did a toss to the right and swung Jacobs outside. Sweep runs are all about speed and set an edge. Miller swung out right then set the outside so Jacobs could cut inside.
He noticed this and forced his way inside then made the safety miss and gained a few more yards.
This play was unique in a way that showed off Jacobs’ speed. He ran hard, and got to the outside very fast and just turned on the jets for a quick 21-yard gain.
The first touchdown of the game came on a 12-yard right to the left from Jacobs. I have to first give credit to Ingold for cut blocking Khalil Mack on the play and taking him out of it. With Mack out of the play, it was a matter of turning on his speed and watching the flame come out of his shoes. He was patient then waited for a hole to open up and then cut up and ran hard scoring the third touchdown of his young career.
As far as the second touchdown goes, there really isn’t anything to say except it was a designed play to jump over the offensive line.