Young running backs paid dividends for the Raiders in 2019
By Matt Holder
Led by rookie Josh Jacobs, the Oakland Raiders running backs were a young and impressive group this past season.
Running back was an interesting position group for the Oakland Raiders in 2019. A youth movement took over as rookies Josh Jacobs and Alec Ingold held starting positions and were key contributors throughout the year. Veterans DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard made an impact as well, but the young bucks certainly led the way.
The Raiders ranked 13th in the league with 118.3 rushing yards per game which is a dramatic improvement from finishing 24th overall in the same category the previous season. Despite missing three games, Jacobs finished the year with 1,150 yards on the ground which was the eighth-most in the NFL, and he broke the franchise’s rookie rushing record by 453 yards. The first-round pick became the focal point of the team’s offense and was named offensive rookie of the year by the Professional Football Writers of America.
Ingold burst on the scene as an undrafted free agent during the preseason. Back in August, the Wisconsin Alum outshined veteran Keith Smith forcing the coaching staff to part ways with the six-year pro and turn the reigns over to the newcomer. Head coach Jon Gruden and the rest of the staff certainly didn’t regret that decision as Ingold continued to impress throughout the year.
As they have throughout their careers, Washington and Richard served as complimentary backs in 2019. While the duo fulfilled their roles, neither played exceptionally well leading to some question marks about their future with the organization.