Oakland Raiders: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders watches from the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 15: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders rushes the football during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

25

As the Oakland Raiders have struggled these past two seasons, quarterback Derek Carr has taken his share of criticism. Some of it has certainly been warranted. But the five-year performer has not only seen his supporting cast change dramatically these last few offseasons and the team has also become far too one-dimensional on offense.

During the club’s last playoff year in 2016, only five teams in the league gained more total yards and rushing yards than the Silver and Black. In each of the past two seasons, Carr has been “supported” by a running game that finished just 25th in the NFL.

While the Raiders did run for more yards in 2018 than the previous year, the lack of balance proved costly last season. The club scored a total of 28 offensive touchdowns – including just nine on the ground.

Oakland’s 995 offensive plays showed the team with 38.9 percent running plays compared to 61.1 passing. The lack of a consistent rushing attack saw Carr put in harm’s way behind a shaky offensive front that allowed a disappointing 52 sacks.

So enter rookie running back Josh Jacobs, the second of the team’s three first-round picks in April. The former member of the Crimson Tide didn’t log a lot of carries for Nick Saban’s team. But his fresh legs and powerful style should make for a very productive combination.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders