Las Vegas Raiders need to pound the Chiefs defense into submission
By Brad Weiss
With a two-headed monster at running back, the Las Vegas Raiders need to pound the Kansas City Chiefs into submission on Sunday night.
The Las Vegas Raiders have a huge opportunity to make another big statement in what has been a season to remember so far in 2020. Between Derek Carr incredible play, the team navigating a brutal early season schedule, and even the defense stepping up, the Raiders have positioned themselves to make the playoffs for only the second time since the 2002 season.
While Carr has been terrific, he has been aided by the fact that the team has one of the better two-headed monsters in the game at running back. They have to be the focal point against Kansas City this weekend, keeping the Chiefs and their high-powered offense on the sidelines.
On Sunday night, the Raiders need to pound the Chiefs defense into submission.
Two-headed monster in Jacobs and Booker
Despite the fact that the Raiders offensive line was absolutely ravaged by injuries last weekend, the team was still able to run all over the Denver Broncos. The combination of Josh Jacobs and Devontae Booker combined for 193 yards and four touchdowns, all while averaging more than five yards per carry.
Kansas City has a better defense than Denver, but the formula should be the same. Pound the ball with Jacobs and Booker, take shots downfield with Henry Ruggs III and Nelson Agholor, while working the middle with the likes of Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.
In order to put together the season sweep of the Chiefs, the Raiders need to control time of possession and minimize mistakes. Feeding Jacobs and Booker does just that, and they give Las Vegas an advantage in this one.
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With a win on Sunday night, Las Vegas can establish themselves as not only a team to beat in the AFC West, but a team to beat in the AFC as a whole. Moving forward, running the ball is going to be crucial, especially come playoff time, and the Raiders certainly have the tandem at running back to take over games late.