Sitting at 1-4 is not ideal. And though five games leaves a lot of season still to go, it is the bye week so let’s check in on the Ballers & Busters thus far and see how the Raiders got here.
Ballers
RB Josh Jacobs
Four time since this season Jacobs has been a Baller and twice a Top Baller. He has set new career highs in each of the past two games, first running for 144 yards and then for 154 yards. He has averaged nearly 100 yards per game so far, putting him on pace for over 1600 yards this season.
DE Maxx Crosby
Few things have become more consistent than Crosby’s dominant presence on the right side of the Raiders defensive line. He was tied for the league lead in sacks after five games and is also the league’s top run stopped among edge players. So, it’s no surprise he’s been a Baller four times already and once a Top Baller.
WR Mack Hollins
No question Hollins has been the most pleasant surprise among Raiders new additions. He has been named a Baller three times this season and a Top Baller once. Some of his notoriety has come for his work as a receiver, but also as a blocker and gunner on special teams. Having an X receiver who also takes pride in doing the dirty work is a valuable commodity. The Raiders are very lucky to have him.
WR Davante Adams
Also thrice a Baller, Adams has been as advertised as a top target. His work so far has been all the more impressive considering the Raiders have barely tapped his potential. He often gets open and either doesn’t get the ball or the ball is underthrown.
The week five game against the Chiefs saw easily the best pass to Adams all season. If that can continue, there’s no reason Adams can’t take over some games over the stretch run.
Honorable Mention
CB Amik Robertson — Filled in for the injured Anthony Averett and has held his own, including a solid performance in the Raiders win over the Broncos in which he returned a fumble for a touchdown.
T Thayer Munford — The rookie seventh round pick stepped in at right tackle and has been serviceable which is a damn sight better than anyone else has been of late.
FB Jakob Johnson — While Josh Jacobs has been known to create things on his own, much of the time he finds a gap behind his trusty fullback. Especially his 154-yard game last week.