Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 things to watch for in Week 2

Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates the touchdown scored by running back Josh Jacobs (28) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates the touchdown scored by running back Josh Jacobs (28) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Running back Kenyan Drake #23 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during warmups before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-7. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 things to watch for in Week 2

Can Kenyan Drake shoulder the load?

On Friday, it was announced that Josh Jacobs would miss the game against the Steelers, this after he gutted out a tremendous effort against Baltimore in Week 1. Jacobs was dealing with an illness, and a toe injury against Baltimore, and while he was able to contribute in a big way against the Ravens, he will be unavailable against Pittsburgh.

In his place, Kenyan Drake will have to step up into the RB1 role, a role that he has played throughout his NFL career. Drake is a guy who may be the best No. 2 running back in football, and against Pittsburgh, he is going to play a huge role in everything the Silver and Black do on the offensive side of the ball.

Drake is a solid runner, can be electric in the passing game, and has shouldered the load before. All in all, the Raiders are lucky that they signed him to that hefty contract this offseason, and on Sunday, his play could be the difference in this offense putting up points, or sputtering all game long.