Examining the Raiders RBs corps vs coverage in the 2022 AFC West

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 20: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders stiff arms Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #28 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 20, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 20: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders stiff arms Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #28 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 20, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
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Jan 15, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) gets tackled by Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates III (30) in the second half in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) gets tackled by Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates III (30) in the second half in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The Las Vegas Raiders will have to exploit defenses through the air in 2022, and here, we look at how the running backs can help in that regard.

Each week, the Las Vegas Raiders will look to exploit matchups that favor the Silver and Black, especially passing-game-wise. But the exact same thing is happening on the other sideline. Well-known rapper J. Cole said that there is “beauty in the struggle and ugliness in the success.” In terms of playing pass-defense at an elite level consistently, that statement serves as a strong motto.

I’ll take a dive into who will be trying to consistently cover the Raiders in the talented AFC West and matchups that we are looking forward to between wide receiver-corner, tight-end-safety/nickel, and running back/linebacker or hybrid.

I have so much respect for those that can cover at a high level in the NFL–it’s more aesthetically appealing than you might realize. Being reactive and trusting your eyes is easier said than done.

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