Las Vegas Raiders: Studs and duds from Week 2 vs. Saints

Las Vegas Raiders Week 2 Stud: Jon Gruden

Seemingly everyone, myself included, was dubious of the Raiders when they hired Jon Gruden after his decade away from the sidelines. It seemed like an “all sizzle, no steak” hire that would ultimately blow up in the face of the franchise. As it turns out, Gruden hasn’t lost a step in terms of his design and, more importantly, in terms of instilling grit and toughness with his team.

The Raiders 100 percent did not play a perfect game on Monday Night Football. There were areas where they really struggled and a few mistakes could’ve proved costly. But at every level on both sides of the ball, there was fight for 60 minutes from this Las Vegas club. They clawed back from an early deficit and continued to chip away at the Saints. That’s a testament to the culture and belief that Gruden has cultivated in his locker room.

Las Vegas Raiders Week 2 Stud: Josh Jacobs, RB

As mentioned, Jacobs was absolutely shut down by the Saints in the first half, rushing for just 28 yards on 11 carries. But it’s a testament to the talent of the running back and the belief the Raiders have in Jacobs that they kept going back to him and eventually found success.

Jacobs still didn’t have a great yards per carry average in the second half (16 carries, 60 yards) or overall (27 carries, 88 yards) but the second-year running back showed up when it mattered. Needing to ice the game down the stretch, Jacobs reeled off a couple of big, bruising runs that allowed the Raiders to secure the victory.

There’s no question that opposing defenses will consistently hone in on Jacobs, which we saw on Monday. If he can continue to overcome adversity and thrive when he’s needed most, though, that’s a terrific sign for Las Vegas.