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5 bold predictions for Las Vegas Raiders in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Raiders bold predictions, Josh Jacobs
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

4. Josh Jacobs will lose 100 carries to Kenyan Drake

Jacobs was electric for the Raiders during his rookie season, but his performance dropped off sharply during his sophomore campaign. The team’s lack of faith in him was clearly reflected in their decision to sign Kenyan Drake this offseason.

The end result will be a timeshare in the backfield for Las Vegas. The coaching staff hopes that decreasing Jacobs’ workload will allow him to improve upon his 3.9 yards per carry average from last season. If it doesn’t, Jacobs will find himself in Gruden’s doghouse.

Drake wasn’t much more efficient last season in Arizona. His average of 4 yards per carry is a big reason why the Cardinals let him walk in free agency. Gruden and his staff hope he can regain the juice that made him so effective in 2019 running in their power scheme.

The ugly truth for the Raiders is that they might not have one running back capable of playing like a Pro Bowler. Expect Gruden to toggle back and forth between Jacobs and Drake all season long. Jacobs may grow discontent with his workload as a result.

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