2020 Las Vegas Raiders over/under: Josh Jacobs 60 catches

2020 Las Vegas Raiders over/under: Josh Jacobs 60 catches

The Case for the Under

There are a couple of things to consider when deciding whether or not Jacobs can reach 60 pass catches. First, the number 60 would triple the number of passes he caught from a year ago, that’s a big jump, even for a talent like Jacobs.

There’s no doubt Jacobs has the ability to be a three down back, but Gruden understands how important Jacobs is to his offense, and may choose to limit the wear and tear on his second year star by leaning on other backs in the passing game.

Speaking of other backs, Jalen Richard has carved out a nice role for himself with the Raiders as their primary third down back.  There is a reason they re-signed him in the offseason to a new two year deal worth $7 million.

Richard is far superior, at the moment as a pass protector, something Gruden values deeply in his running backs.  Another potential problem for Jacobs is Devontae Booker was brought in as a free agent and is competing for a roster spot.

Booker has shown that his greatest asset is in the passing game.  If the Raiders should opt to roll with four running backs, then Booker should make the team and could demand some snaps as well.

The last reason and maybe the biggest factor as to why Jacobs could have a hard time reaching 60 catches and that is the upgrade in talent on the Raiders offense.

The Raiders used three selections in the draft to surround Derek Carr with more talent.  Wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards have been getting rave reviews from coaches and teammates, and Lynn Bowden Jr is a converted wide receiver who will play running back and is expected to have a role in the passing game early on.

Combine the fact that they still have Tyrell Williams, Hunter Renfrow, Darren Waller, and Foster Moreau returning, and that is a lot of mouths to feed. For the first time in a long time there is a plethora of talent on offense, and that is a good problem to have.