Raiders X-Factors against the Bengals in the Wild Card round
By Alex Perl
Raiders X-Factors against the Bengals in the Wild Card round
Run the Ball
On the defensive side of the spectrum, the Raiders need to stop the run right? Well, they also need to figure out a way to get their own ground game going if they want to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Running back Josh Jacobs is officially a factor again in this Raider offense. After a season in which he has truly struggled, the last few weeks have truly been a change of pace. Jacobs has rushed for 100-yards or more in two of his three last contests, which had been a far cry in a season when he had not toppled the 100-yard plateau once this season, before his recent outings.
The Raider passing game has become stagnant as of late, and it may see a significant improvement with a full bill of health in the receiving corps, but the onus will likely be on Jacobs to run this team into the next round.
Josh Jacobs will indeed be a huge X-Factor for this Raider offense in this playoff clash, look for the Raiders to get the ball early and often into the hands of their third-year back, and 25-30 carries will likely be in the cards for Jacobs.