OAKLAND – Josh Jacobs ran right and found a lane created by center Rodney Hudson and sealed by Denzelle Good, and burst through it into the defense’s second level. Then Jacobs sprinted for the sideline. He broke free before the Kansas City Chiefs closed in, giving him easy access to the boundary for a simple step out of bounds.
But the Raiders rookie running back didn’t take it. He lower his shoulder and pushed back inside, welcoming contact that earned a few extra yards.
It was a rare reason to celebrate during Sunday’s 28-10 loss to Kansas City. Even with the Raiders down three scores, Jacobs wanted to send a message.
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“I don’t want to be labeled as a soft back,” Jacobs said. “I’m still young, so my body can take those kinds of hits.”
Or, more accurately, deliver them. Jacobs’ big run highlighted his second solid performance in as many games, totaling 99 yards on 12 carries.
“I kind of knew it was going to break,” Jacobs said. “I could feel it a couple of plays before, that one was going to bust open. It happened to be that play, and I tried to pick up my legs and get as much as I could.”
Jacobs deserved to get more carries, but a negative game script didn’t allow it. The Raiders got down deep in the second quarter and never recovered, and Jacobs had to miss a stretch after cramping up. He had to get an IV, despite preparing well to stay hydrated. Jacobs missed a chunk of the pivotal second quarter, where the Chiefs scored fast and the Raiders kept going three-and-out. Not having him to help move the chains really hurt, and certainly contributed to offense's complete and utter loss of steam.
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Jacobs was the Raiders’ key to victory, but he wasn’t able to pace the offense and keep Chiefs quarterback and reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes on the sideline enough during a dry second-quarter offensive stretch that changed the game.
Kansas City put significant effort into slowing him down, especially on attempts between the tackles.
“We knew that was going to happen this game, because of how the first one went. We have a great offensive line. We didn’t do too bad in the run game. We have to pick up the pieces and get back at it.”
Jacobs will be vital to the Raiders getting back on a winning track and staying there.
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It’s clear he’s a legitimate offensive threat, someone capable of churning out yards and taking big chunks when available.
“He is a special player,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “We don’t have to wait anymore. He just has to consistently do it every day in practice, consistently do it every game. But we know he’s special. If you’re a little kid and you love the Raiders and you’re a running back, I’d buy his jersey because he’s going to be around a long time.”