Is Josh Jacobs the best Raiders running back since Marcus Allen?
What do the numbers say about Josh Jacobs and Marcus Allen?
One of the simplest ways to compare Allen and Jacobs would be to measure how No. 32 had performed up until that point in his career (four years). Jacobs, too, will have played four years by the time this season concludes. At this point in his career, Allen had amassed 4,638 yards on the ground, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Also, keep in mind that Allen played in just nine games during his rookie year.
For Jacobs, he’s compiled 3,577 yards on the ground, averaging the same yardage per carry as Allen, which is quite interesting, or random, however, you choose to see it. The caveat here is that Jacobs still has 11 games left to go. If Jacobs can maintain this pace, say an average of about 90 yards a game the rest of the way, he’ll have gotten very close to Allen.
Their versatility is one area where Allen outclasses Jacobs. At that point in his career, Allen had recorded 13 touchdowns through the air. Jacobs (who has zero career receiving touchdowns) is still trying to find his footing in that department.