Raiders: Josh Jacobs’ Transition from committee contributor to workhorse
Raiders: Josh Jacobs’ Transition from committee contributor to workhorse
Jacobs will carry the load in 2020
In Week 1, Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson and safety Tre Boston found out about Jacobs’ bag of tricks as a route-runner and pass-catcher:
Josh Jacobs is shakin' defenders 👀 @iAM_JoshJacobs #RaiderNation
— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2020
📺: #LVvsCAR on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/DTlgEUZamw pic.twitter.com/zkxnmMJVI5
Jacobs finished the contest with four receptions for 46 yards—on pace to reach his goal of at least 60 catches this season.
How did Jacobs expand his skill set? He took cues from teammate Hunter Renfrow, who’s a route-running technician, and looked at receiver film cutups that wideout coach Edgar Bennett prepared for him.
“…Just watching Hunter [Renfrow] on his choice routes and how creative he is [and then] find what I like and make it my own,” Jacobs said during Wednesday’s media presser.
Josh Jacobs said he wanted to improve on his route-running. Part of that was asking the WRs and asking coach Edgar Bennett to make up some cut-ups. "It's an area where I feel I've improved the most." #Raiders
— Anthony Galaviz (@agalaviz_TheBee) September 16, 2020
In addition to his focus on the line of scrimmage as a receiver, Jacobs also did the dirty work that few people notice. NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger took note though:
.@Raiders @iAM_JoshJacobs is a Complete Back. This cut block on Brian Burns is straight text book. Well done #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/Y8vg7wrRvT
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 16, 2020
Jacobs’ block on Panthers edge-rusher Brian Burns isn’t going to show up in boxscore, but that play will earn quarterback Derek Carr‘s and head coach Jon Gruden’s trust on third downs along with respect in the locker room.
At 5’10”, 220 pounds, Jacobs isn’t afraid to stick his body in front of bigger defenders. When he’s not breaking through would-be tacklers on the ground, watch out for him in the short passing game. That’s a complete running back worth a first-round pick.
Next. Las Vegas Raiders star RB Josh Jacobs will be worth every penny. dark
During Wednesday’s press conference (starting at 5:27), Jacobs said he doesn’t pay close attention to stats but made a mental note of the New Orleans Saints’ streak of 44 games without giving up 100 rushing yards. The 22-year-old could have a memorable start at Allegiant Stadium by hitting the century mark against a vaunted defensive front.