Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17
By Alex Perl
Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17
The Return of the Running Game
After discussing the Colts running game which is led by the best in the league in Jonathan Taylor, the Raiders themselves proved they also have a capable back who can lead them to victory.
Josh Jacobs had been having a miserable season up until his magnificent display in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos. In fact, the former Pro Bowl running back had not even recorded one 100-rushing yard game up until the clash with the Raiders heated rival.
What we were treated to, was hard-nosed running and shiftiness that had been non-existent up until this point in the season, as Jacobs rushed for 129 yards on 27 carries. His first and so far only 100-yard performance of the entire season.
Maybe it has been the durability of the third-year back, or the lack of consistent offensive line play from the Silver and Black, but whatever the case, the performance was a positive sign and hopefully can be duplicated against a team that will chew plenty of clock itself with its potent run game.
The Colts defense is a strong point, and if COVID-19 does not have its say, will return some key players to a defense that has been pretty stiff against the run. Either way, the passing attack of the Raiders has gone cold in the second half of the season, and if the Raiders want to get back into playoff position before the season finale, the running attack spearheaded by Jacobs must return and remain intact to overcome a difficult task in the Colts.