Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs has gotten off to a slow start after holding out of training camp this offseason in hopes of receiving a lucrative long-term contract extension. Jacobs is still shaking off the rust after he spent the majority of the offseason away from the team.
Jacobs was last season’s NFL rushing champion, amassing 1,653 yards on 340 carries. He rushed for just 48 yards on 19 attempts in the Raiders’ Week 1 win against the Denver Broncos and things didn’t get any better for him in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. Jacobs posted negative two rushing yards on nine attempts.
Per Pro Football Talk, Jacobs became the first reigning NFL rushing champion to record negative rushing yards in a game since the 1970 merger.
It was a historic day for Jacobs, but not the type of history he was looking to make. After the game, he said he expects more from himself and needs to be better. “I feel like I just got to do more honestly,” Jacobs told Jonah Bronstein of the Associated Press.
Jacobs isn’t the only one who acknowledged his shortcomings. Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels shouldered some of the blame, saying “I need to do a better job figuring out how to get JJ going.”
Regardless of who or what is to blame, the Raiders need to get Jacobs back on track as soon as possible if they want to remain competitive. Raiders All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams is being evaluated for a concussion after taking a hit to the head late in the game. His potential absence creates an even larger need for Jacobs to return to form.
