One of the biggest surprises for the Raiders in the 2019 season was just how dominant Josh Jacobs was as a rookie. Despite dealing with a shoulder injury, Jacobs tallied over 1,300 yards from scrimmage in just 13 starts. But that doesn’t even begin to show just how great the former Alabama running back was last season.
According to Pro Football Focus, no player forced more missed tackles last season than Jacobs (69) despite the rookie missing three games. According to the site, Jacobs finished the season as the second-highest graded running back in the NFL (87.1) only behind Nick Chubb of the Cleveland Browns (88.7).
With a year under his belt, Jacobs is primed to have a monster season in 2020. The team added more speed at receiver in Henry Ruggs III and that should only help keep safeties away from the line of scrimmage.
If Jacobs can show that he can contribute more in the passing game next season, it’s possible that he could eclipse 2,000 total yards. He has that type of talent and it is clear that head coach Jon Gruden wants to ride his workhorse back.
Jacobs is already among the best running backs in the NFL and a strong 2020 season could potentially put him atop that list.
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