Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Raiders to watch in Week 11

Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 Raiders to watch in Week 11

Josh Jacobs

Last week against Denver, you saw the running game impose its will against the Broncos. That charge was lead by second-year phenom Josh Jacobs, who tallied 21 carries, 112 yards and two touchdowns on the day.  You can’t talk about the run game anymore without mentioning backup running back Devonte Booker, who racked up 81 yards rushing and two touchdowns of his own.

Last time these two teams matched up, the running game seemed to be somewhat subdued. Jacobs came away with two touchdowns that game, but was held to 77 yards on 23 carries. That 3.3 yards a carry average was one of his lowest all season.

The Raiders have made it known all year that their offense runs through the ground game. When everything is clicking on all cylinders, it is one of if not the most potent running attacks in the NFL. In Week 5 against the Chiefs, they showed that even if the run game is subdued, they can beat you through the air as well (more on that in a minute).

But the bread and butter of Jon Gruden’s offense is establishing the run to control the clock. Not only does that go a long way in setting up the passing game with play action, but pays dividends in the way of keeping Patrick Mahomes and the electric Chiefs offense off the field.

The more they can do that, the more they can help their defense against this very tough matchup.