Raiders: 4 offensive players who have been crucial down the stretch

Raiders: 4 offensive players who have been crucial down the stretch

Josh Jacobs, Running Back

Josh Jacobs has been struggling through a difficult season full of nagging injuries and poor offensive line play. Coming into the last three games, Jacobs had not had a 100-yard rushing game and had struggled to make a major impact on the offense. He has turned that around recently and was a crucial part of the win against the Browns and helped the Raiders play some ball control offense in poor conditions.

Jacobs then had by far his best game of the year against the Denver Broncos in Week 16. After an early fumble that could have swung the game permanently in Denver’s favor, Jacobs responded by running angrier than he had all year. He ended the game against Denver with 27 carries for 129 yards and was once again the workhorse back that the Raiders drafted a few years ago.

The young back had another good game against Indianapolis where he recorded 63 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries against a very good run defense. He will be a vital player in Week 18 against the Chargers as they have struggled to stop the run all year long.

They essentially shut down the Raiders rushing attack in Week 4 but have since given up big days on the ground to players like Rex Burkhead so we can expect a big day from Jacobs. There are still concerns about his ability to stay healthy for a full season but when he is in a groove, he is an x-factor for this offense.