Raiders Report: Jacobs And The Leadership Plan
Despite a precarious contract situation, Josh Jacobs could emerge as the leader the Raiders will actually need.
While RaiderNation remains split on Derek Carr’s value on the field, it is certainly more difficult to dispute his leadership value. As starting quarterback, it was common to see Carr brought out first for interviews and other media obligations. Now, with his absence, the void will needs filling.
Hollywood Ending
Generic football movies would lead many to believe the next quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to step up and immediately fill the role. Garoppolo could soon emerge as a team leader. Yet, it would be challenging to command respect in the locker room with his Las Vegas Raiders snap count at zero. Davante Adams could also serve as a beacon of leadership. At the same time, his minimal tenure with the team could hamper some of his words’ strength. Despite being the most talented player on the team’s roster, Adams is relatively new.
Crucial Thought Process
Experience shapes mindset, and two players that have been through four rollercoaster seasons with the team are Maxx Crosby and Josh Jacobs. Crosby was named a captain in 2022 and should be expected to find the honor bestowed to him once again in 2023. Not only has Crosby ebbed and flowed along with the Raiders, he has used his late-round draft position (106th overall, 4th round 2019) to motivate him to become one of the most dominant edge rushers in the NFL, a motivation which, through social media, he can be seen sharing with teammates.
Opportunity To Step Up
On the other hand, Josh Jacobs was not given the responsibilities of a captain and had his team option (fifth year, first round pick bonus) rejected. Despite the disrespect, Jacobs shelfed his frustration, or quietly used it as motivation, to lead the NFL in rushing yards in 2022. Although he currently stands in a bit of a contract dispute with the team’s front office, it would almost be insulting to see him snubbed from any sort of leadership nod.
Leading By Example
What Crosby does on social media and in the locker room, Jacobs does on the field. Not to say Crosby does not also lead by example, but Jacobs is the definition of it. Film viewers would be hard-pressed to find a play Jacobs took off. Whether he drew a blocking assignment or is getting the ball, he attacks the play. Jacobs has also found himself gutted and moved to tears when he was ruled out just minutes before a game.
Present Thorny Issue
Currently, the major factor keeping Jacobs from an all-but-guaranteed captain spot is a contract dispute. The dispute stems from the team’s use of a franchise tag, apparently in lieu of a new, hearty contract. In a sense, Jacobs is utilizing his leadership qualities in this situation as well. Perhaps not for the Raiders, but for his fellow running backs, as they watch their position garner less and less respect over the years. A smaller contract for the NFL’s leading rusher sets precedent that other running backs will feel.
Delusional Fanbase
A consensus from a smaller faction of the fanbase is that Jacobs should take what he is offered. However, due to minor injury concerns and the general lifespan of a running back, he wants a big payday After all, if it is acceptable to break the bank for essentially any other position, why is spending up a bit on the league’s leading rusher such a no-go?
Overview
An accepted belief by many is that the drop off between an all-pro running back and a rookie picked in the first two rounds is not significant. However, with the way the Raiders are poised to be running the ball this year (often), spending up to eliminate risk of a bust does not sound too egregious. Should negotiations find an agreed upon middle ground, Josh Jacobs has done enough to earn a captain’s “C”.
