Running the football is what Josh Jacobs excels at. In particular, he excels at breaking tackles and picking up yards after contact. His abilities in that area had him put up 1150 yards and 7 touchdowns in 13 games as a rookie.
No question Jacobs was the team’s workhorse. But even without playing 16 games, he saw nearly as many carries (242) last season as he had in three years combined at Alabama (251). That kind of increase in playing time can be a shock to the system. But it was just the beginning of the Raiders plans for him.
There is so much more to being a running back in the NFL than toting the rock. In particular, there’s all the duties in the passing game. Namely blocking and running routes. That’s what’s next for the second-year phenom.
“We want you to become a complete running back, we need you to get better at route running out of the backfield, as well as route running from an extended formation,” Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Olson said of Jacobs of conference call Tuesday. “So, that was the homework assignment in the offseason. We haven’t had a chance to see it yet, but that was probably the biggest area we were looking for improvement, and he can always get better in protection. That’s a big part as well. I think it’s difficult for a rookie to come in and master protection in one season, so we expected an improvement in that area as well.”
Jacobs’ ability to block isn’t in question here. Protection schemes aren’t about blocking ability. Protection schemes is mental and therefore it’s the part where players are expected to take a leap in their second year. Luckily it’s also something that can be learned even while not practicing with his team. Although, it may be a tad more challenging.
Gruden said this offseason that he wants to get Jacobs more touches. Catching passes is one way to do that. Being a dependable pass blocker is another, because it will keep him on the field.