Oakland Raiders 2019 Week 13 review: 3 stars, 3 duds

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 01: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs up field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

1. Maxx Crosby

Are we surprised by now? This is several weeks in a row now that Maxx Crosby has found himself as a star, and for good reason. The fourth round pick is proving to be the biggest steal of this talented draft class, and continues to improve week after week.

Although he did not record a sack on Sunday, as it is hard against Patrick Mahomes, Crosby’s presence was surely felt. He had two big tackles for loss, catching Chiefs runners before they even had a chance and was active in flushing Mahomes from the pocket. The Raiders found a keeper in Crosby and he is continuing to prove their investment was a keen one.

2. Trayvon Mullen

The rookie cornerback has stepped up in a big way since being thrust into a starting role. The second round pick is yet another rookie that is outperforming his veteran counterparts, which is good and bad at the same time.

The young corner looks to be what the Raiders thought former first round pick Gareon Conley was going to be, a shut down corner. He played well against a very dynamic receiving corps with two pass breakups and an interception that was wiped away by the Wizard of Oz according to Jon Gruden. The rookie corner is the real deal and is a great piece to build upon for the defense.

3. Josh Jacobs

Yet again Josh Jacobs is the best part of the Raiders offense, and yet again it doesn’t even matter. The game plan seemed straightforward, give the ball to Jacobs and prosper. It even worked too! Jacobs had 100 yards before halftime, well until a negative run set him back. Yet the Raiders were still losing 21-0 at half because of their horrific play in other areas.

Jacobs is an incredible talent, and should be the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but he is unable to overcome mistakes from other members of the offense. Also, the fact that he rushed for 100 in the first half and then only finished with 104 shows a flaw in Jon Gruden’s game management, but nonetheless.

Jacobs is everything people thought he was going to be and more, and he is only 12 games into his career.

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