Raiders: 3 reasons Josh Jacobs is about to go off

Raiders: 3 reasons Josh Jacobs is about to go off

Reason No. 2: Josh Jacobs has found his niche under Mick Lombardi

Raiders’ offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi recently spoke on how Jacobs has evolved this season, taking on his role in McDaniels’ offense, and how we’re seeing the end result. “Josh has done a great job in terms of accepting his role and obviously playing well in it. He played a little bit more on third down this past week against Kansas City, and that’s a tribute to him in terms of knowing that protection, knowing the run schemes, and knowing the passing game,” said Lombardi.

What exactly was Jacobs’s role earlier in the season is the subject of debate. Some would say that McDaniels didn’t trust his O-line to finish the job late in games, which led to No. 28 not getting the ball in those situations.

With the run blocking getting to another level the past couple of weeks, Jacobs’s usage naturally increased. The numbers back up that sentiment. He had 42 carries in the first three contests, yet Jacobs had 49 in the last two games alone. Something has changed. Regardless, Jacobs is taking advantage, as Lombardi points out. “Obviously, we have to try and get him the ball in terms of calling runs, and however the game goes, that’s how it’s going to play out. But he’s taken advantage of his opportunities.”