After a fantastic rookie season, Josh Jacobs is already considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. With his ability to make defenders miss and the power to run through potential tacklers, he is one of the most complete backs in the NFL.
Entering the 2020 season, expectations are high entering his second season. But what type of numbers should we expect from the former Alabama star? In a recent piece by Mike Clay of ESPN, he projected Jacobs to improve on his 2019 statistics, gaining 1,400 yards from scrimmage. Take a look at Clay’s projections for Jacobs in the 2020 season:
Jacobs returns as the feature back for the Raiders following an extremely impressive rookie campaign. The 2019 first-round pick averaged a healthy 4.75 YPC on 242 attempts and ranked fourth among backs with a 2.25 YAC. Jacobs flashed with four top-10 fantasy weeks but missed three games because of injury, and his output was capped by a limited role as a receiver (27 targets). Coach Jon Gruden has consistently expressed a desire to target Jacobs more often, which adds some optimism that Jacobs can become a workhorse back.
Clay’s projections are somewhat conservative considering Jacobs nearly matched that total in 13 games last season. However, there is a chance that Jacobs’ overall volume decreases as the Raiders try to utilize the passing game more this season. Either way, 1,400 total yards for Jacobs in the 2020 season would likely signal good things for the Raiders this season.
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