Ground And Pound: Jacobs, Raiders Cook Seattle Defense
With burst, solid receptions, and a career rushing day, Josh Jacobs led the Raiders to victory.
When Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders opened the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks by throwing two interceptions, trouble bubbled. It seemed like any sort of camaraderie and buy-in established during last week’s matchup against Denver could be heading out the window. Fortunately, the Raiders’ offense found its bearings soon after and began answering the Seahawks’ scores to enter these former AFC West rivals into their highest-scoring matchup since 1997.
Growth Spurt
The Raiders showed significant growth on Sunday. After a rocky start, and with very little on the line, the team could chalk the game up as a loss and promised to bring their best next week. Showing fight at this point in the season and standings is huge for the Raiders’ future. The team is proving their willingness to fight for a full sixty (or seventy) minutes, no matter their opponent. In the context of staying resilient, many will look towards the quarterback in signs of struggle, but the Raiders have found the spearhead of staying committed in running back Josh Jacobs.
Run For The Money
Prior to the start of the season, the Raiders announced they would not be picking up Josh Jacobs’ fifth-year option. They indicated he would be a free agent at the end of the season. Jacobs could have mentally checked out. However, he kept his head down and continued grinding. He could stop giving his all in an attempt to preserve himself when it became apparent the Raiders would not be returning to the playoffs in 2022. Instead, he came out and recorded 303 total scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks. Additionally, he became significantly involved in the passing game, even taking snaps as a slot receiver.
Relentless Approach
When Jacobs was on his streak of 100+ rushing yard games, many questioned the decision to let him walk. Now, after setting the Raiders’ single-game scrimmage yards record, these questions deserve an answer, because it is baffling that, at the time of writing, a new contract has not been announced. While promises and handshake agreements between Jacobs and the front office could occur behind closed doors, it is shocking that nothing has publicly emerged.
Supporting Cast
By no means did Derek Carr or most of the offense play poorly, but it cannot be debated that Jacobs won this game for the Raiders, and a running back that wins teams games is one that deserves to be paid by the team he has fought so hard for.
Note
Author’s note: Due to the lack of longevity a majority of NFL running backs possess, I had been in the “do not extend running backs” camp for as long as I had known about the concept. However, with Jacobs being in his fifth year and continuing to thrive, despite pregame “questionable” tags, I would be willing to take a financial chance to discover how much Jacobs still has in the tank.
Bend, Bend, Bend
Despite the season-high thirty-four points allowed, the Raiders’ defense did not appear to have their worst game. Although seven Seahawks were allowed to record a reception of 10+ yards (compared to the Raiders’ five), the defense kept most of those long passes out of the end zone. Tyler Lockett, the only Seahawk whose longest reception went for a touchdown).
Lockdown: Seattle
Additionally, the Raiders locked up potential Offensive Rookie of the Year Kenneth Walker III, from a rushing yards sense. He recorded a mere twenty-six rushing yards on fourteen attempts but found the end zone twice. The justification of the Raiders’ defense did not have that bad of a day is incredibly indicative of where the group stands: there is a lot of give and take. The defense will give up many yards to many pass catchers, but they will typically save the touchdown, while opposing running backs may be slowed down, but could also find themselves in the end zone a few times.
Looking Ahead
Depending on Jacobs’ contract status, the 2023 Raiders have found some incredible pieces to build around, outside of the major names like Carr and Davante Adams. Maxx Crosby recorded 1.5 sacks against the Seahawks to bring his season total to 10.5, a new career high with six games remaining. Another piece worth mentioning is Daniel Carlson who, despite missing a 56-yard kick in overtime, has been as reliable as they come. The team is buying in, wins are starting to emerge, and the Raiders just scored 40 points in a football game without a single player recording over 74 receiving yards.
Tell Me Why
It should be noted that there were some coaching decisions. First, Carlson’s 25-yard field goal from the seven-yard line on fourth and one. Next, the aforementioned 56-yard overtime field goal, which many would like to see the team take a chance on. Analytics may say otherwise, but with Jacobs averaging 6.9 yards per carry, reading the room could lead to more success. Additionally, getting stopped on a fourth-and-short by no means indicates that the try will be stopped again. Stringing wins together against any team will certainly boost morale. Yet, next week, the re-established Raiders battle with the Los Angeles Chargers, who are also coming off a narrow victory. The future is growing brighter, but stop fooling around and pay Josh Jacobs already.
