Las Vegas Raiders vs LA Chargers 2021 Week 18: Studs and Duds
Las Vegas Raiders vs LA Chargers 2021 Week 18: Studs and Duds
Studs – Josh Jacobs and the offensive line
Josh Jacobs has been the engine that has kept the Raiders’ postseason hopes alive and he delivered with the best game of his career on Sunday night. Over the past 4 weeks, Jacobs has rushed for 376 yards and two touchdowns on 84 carries for an excellent 4.8 yards per carry average. He also caught 10 passes for 66 yards to show off some of his versatility.
On Sunday night, he saved his best performance for last as Jacobs rushed 26 times for 132 yards and a touchdown. According to ESPN, 130 of those yards came after contact as he shrugged off Chargers at will and had the best game of his career. He has helped the Raiders establish an offensive identity in recent weeks of being a power-running team that can control games for long stretches.
What Jacobs did on Sunday would not have been possible without his offensive line and the much-maligned unit having come together in some tough circumstances. They gashed the Chargers’ defense and controlled the line of scrimmage on key downs. Andre James in particular deserves credit as he made the key block on a 3rd and 23 conversion late in the first half to set up a touchdown a few plays later.
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The offensive line has been a weakness for the Raiders this year but they have played well recently even with the occasional lapse in pass protection. They will be key against a Cincinnati that is fifth in rush defense and has recorded 42 sacks but they have been battle-tested and will be ready for the challenge come Wild Card Weekend.