After years of being an inconsistent franchise and making the move from Oakland to Las Vegas, the Raiders finally seem like its trending forward in the National Football League.
Mike Mayok, general manager of the Raiders, spent a lot of time at the University of Alabama in the last two years and both of his first-round picks — Josh Jacobs and Henry Ruggs III — in 2019 and this year have worked out well.
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Jacobs has changed the dynamic of the team.
The Raiders are tougher, more determined, and it believes it can take down some of the best teams in the league. Very few people had it starting the season at 2-0, but Jacobs has the Raiders as one of 11 undefeated teams remaining. He made history on Monday Night Football in becoming the running back with the most rushing yards in his first 15 NFL games, surpassing legends in Marcus Allen (1,043) and Vincent “Bo” Jackson (1,003).
Historic company.@iAM_JoshJacobs | #BeGreat28 pic.twitter.com/K2wTdauTFs
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 22, 2020
In being the No. 1 back for the Raiders, Jacobs totaled 105 yards from scrimmage (88 rushing, 17 receiving) on 30 touches for the Raiders in its 34-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints.
His tough running and contribution in the passing game helped Derek Carr outplay Drew Brees at quarterback. New Orleans was a team many media pundits had as a Super Bowl contender, but Jacobs and company found a way to win.
Through his first 15 NFL games, the former Alabama standout has totaled 1,331 yards rushing with 10 touchdowns on 294 carries.
He currently has 181 yards with three scores on 52 attempts in two games. If not for an injury late in the 2019 campaign, Jacobs would have won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Nevertheless, he is set for bigger and better this season. Jacobs will look to wear down the New England Patriots next week.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
