Oakland Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs was named Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of American on Tuesday morning.
Rookie Season
Jacobs had a fantastic rookie season rushing for 1,150 yards on 242 rushes in 13 games. He also averaged 4.8 yards per rush and had seven rushing touchdowns. Jacobs did all this while just playing 13 games; he missed three games due to a shoulder injury.
Jacobs broke a lot of tackles this season for the Raiders; he averaged 3.48 yards per rush after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. The former Alabama running back forced 78 missed tackles all season long.
Jacobs had five 100 yard games rushing for the Raiders this season. His most rushing yards in a game came against the Green Bay Packers with 124 rushing yards. Unfortunately, the Raiders lost that game.
Out of the backfield, Jacobs caught just 27 passes i think, because coach Jon Gruden was trying to limit his touches and not overload him in his rookie season. Plus, Oakland had Jalen Richard, who they liked as the third-down back. I think next season we will see more of Jacobs in the passing game. He is a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Josh Jacobs was a natural choice i think for offensive rookie of the year, but because he missed three games, so it was a little bit close. If Jacobs did not miss those three-games, his numbers would have been more impressive.
Next season i expect an even bigger season from Josh Jacobs; I fell Gruden will give a lot more touches in the running game and also more receptions in the passing game. If the Raiders can get more talent at the receiver position, teams will not be able to key on the running game, and it will open up more lanes for Jacobs to run through.
