HENDERSON, Nev. — Because Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs ended last season as the NFL’s rushing champion, it would be tempting to think his slowdown began this year after a contract holdout.
Jacobs’ slide, in fact, began last season, which raises the question of whether he will pull out of it. He has gone 12 consecutive games without rushing for at least 100 yards, last hitting triple digits on Dec. 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
His rushing average over the first 12 games last season was 5.4 yards per carry as Jacobs racked up 1,303 yards over that span. He then averaged 3.6 yards over the final five games, and that number this season is 2.9 through seven weeks. Jacobs has gained 347 yards entering Monday night’s game at the Detroit Lions.
There are multiple plausible explanations for the drop-off.
The Raiders have leaned heavily on Jacobs, who had a career-high 340 carries last season. Add in 53 catches and that’s nearly 400 touches. Jacobs had more than 200 carries in each of his first three seasons and more than 250 touches.
This season, Jacobs remains the bell cow with 118 carries and 26 catches.
Jacobs, who was not available to speak Thursday, said recently he’s happy to get the work, either running or receiving.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Josh Jacobs runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/David Becker
“I always tell the quarterback, ‘I’m always open,’” Jacobs said. “The biggest thing for me is to get in that rhythm, to get in that space to where you feel good no matter what the run is or no matter what the call is.”
It’s not just the workload. Jacobs is physical and willing to take on linebackers to pick up an extra few yards or perhaps break a run for an even longer gain. According to Pro Football Focus, Jacobs broke 90 tackles last season, the most since the website began compiling data starting in 2006. That wear and tear can make a 25-year-old back…
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