Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against Cincinnati in 2021 Week 11

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against Cincinnati in 2021 Week 11

Josh Jacobs

One of the more frustrating pieces to the Raiders offense this season has been running back Josh Jacobs. Last season, through his first seven games Jacobs had accounted for 147 rushes, 523 yards, and 5 touchdowns.

While he has matched his touchdown total through the same time frame, he’s only rushed 80 times for 296 yards. A large part of his lack of production though can be attributed to the terrible performances the Raiders have been getting from their offensive line.

The Bengals pose a stingy, yet exploitable run defense. Though they’re top 10 in total rushing yards given up on the season, they are also giving up 4.2 yards per carry and have given up 9 total touchdowns to running backs this year. The Bengals’ “success” this year in regards to defending the run game is a bit skewed.

Teams are more often playing from behind because of their high-powered offense that tends to get them out in front early.

As much as the Raiders thrive on establishing the run early, they’ve done a terrible job at it thus far this season. What they have been able to do however is flip the usual mantra and establish the pass the set up the run.

In games that the rushing attack has succeeded, the Raiders had built up momentum through the passing game that gave them the ability to take advantage of draws and late down run plays.

Everyone knows this offense is different when Josh Jacobs is healthy and clicking on all cylinders. To come away with a win this Sunday, Jacobs is going to need to be a key contributing factor in it. If the Raiders can establish Waller as an early threat like previously addressed, that could open up a potentially big day for Jacobs on the ground.