Las Vegas Raiders Alabama connection in for big day against Chargers
Ruggs and Jacobs to have huge impact on Sunday
Last weekend, Josh Jacobs carried the load against the Cleveland Browns, as the Raiders used a ground and pound offense in the cold weather. On Sunday, the weather should enable the Silver and Black to utilize the pass more, so the expectation is Henry Ruggs III will play a bigger role in the offense.
The Chargers come into this game with issues on the defensive side of the ball, as they could be without edge rusher Joey Bosa, and they have already traded away Desmond King. For Las Vegas, they have some issues of their own, as they are banged up along the offensive line, which could limit how long Derek Carr can stand in the pocket.
Regardless, the team is going to find a way to get Ruggs involved, and he is usually good for either a long play down the field, or forcing a pass interference call.
While Jacobs will not come close to the 31 carries he had last weekend against Cleveland, I expect him to run it 20 times or so against the Chargers. If he can find room to run, that frees up Ruggs deep, and as we have seen a lot this season, Carr is not afraid to take big shots downfield.
If Las Vegas wins in Week 9, expect big stat lines from both Ruggs and Jacobs.