4 players the Panthers need to keep quiet against the Raiders
By Dean Jones
Josh Jacobs – RB
Josh Jacobs enjoyed a tremendous rookie season with the Raiders. He displayed the sort of workhorse traits that went down extremely well with head coach Jon Gruden and there could be big things in the player’s future if he takes another step forward in 2020.
The Carolina Panthers were abysmal at stopping the run during the previous campaign. They are set to be much-improved thanks to the return of veteran Pro Bowler Kawann Short and No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown. But Jacobs is sure to give them all they can handle in their highly anticipated Week 1 encounter.
Jacobs was the No. 24 overall pick by Las Vegas in 2019 and wasted no time in making an immediate impression. The running back recorded 242 carries for 1,150 yards, seven touchdowns, and an impressive yards-per-carry average of 4.8. His ability to impact the passing game was also evident on occasion and this is something the Raiders might utilize more prominently next time around.
The Alabama product did enough in his rookie season to secure an eye-catching 87.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, which is further evidence of the tremendous skills that Jacobs brings to the table. Carolina’s front seven will need to account for Jacobs at all times in order to restrict his impact. But even that might not be enough.