Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos: 3 things we learned in Week 16

Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is defended by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Baron Browning (56) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) is defended by Denver Broncos inside linebacker Baron Browning (56) in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) runs the ball against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders vs Denver Broncos: 3 things we learned

This is the Josh Jacobs the team needs

All season, third-year running back Josh Jacobs has struggled to run the football, making this offense one-dimensional for most of the year. Whether due to issues with the offensive line, injuries, or inconsistent play, Jacobs has not been a big part of this offense all season long and had zero 100-yard efforts to date.

That all changed against the Broncos, as after a tough first half, Jacobs exploded in the second, including on the very first drive out of halftime. Jacobs rushed for over 50 yards on that single drive along, running the ball with fury, and carrying this offense through the final two frames.

It was the kind of effort that Raiders fans had come to expect from Jacobs before a tough 2021 season, one that has really hurt his chances of getting a big contract from the team that drafted him. Across these next two games, if the Raiders really want to punch their ticket to the playoffs, they need the kind of effort Jacobs gave them on Sunday.