Fansided

3 bold predictions for the Raiders 2021 season

By Rucker Haringey

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts to the crowd during warmups before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts to the crowd during warmups before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Kenyan Drake, Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 14: Running back Kenyan Drake #23 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during warmups before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-7. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

2. Kenyan Drake will lead the Raiders in rushing attempts

Josh Jacobs has arguably been one of the Raiders’ most valuable draft choices during Gruden’s tenure. He did take a meaningful step backward last season though. That’s a big reason why Las Vegas made the move to bring in Kenyan Drake to compete with him in their backfield.

The end result will see Drake start to steal more and more carries from Jacobs as the season rolls along. Jacobs will rack up carries early in the year, but the team’s offensive coaching staff will become frustrated with his lack of big play ability.

Drake is the better potential home run hitter of the pair. Gruden is naturally going to gravitate towards his ability to turn routine runs into big plays. That will allow Drake to gradually ascend to the No. 1 running back position before the season’s midway point.

This prediction clearly means Jacobs won’t get anywhere near the 273 rushes he racked up last year for the Raiders. Look for that total to land much closer to 150 totes. Drake can edge him out by getting just under 200 carries. This will turn out to be much more of a timeshare than anyone expects heading into the season.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders