Raiders Offensive Coordinator Explains How Josh Jacobs Has Improved Over Season

Before breaking for their Bye Week, the Las Vegas Raiders seemed to have figured out how to use running back Josh Jacobs.

Through the first three weeks, Jacobs rushed for 192 yards on 42 carries. In the last two games, he set two personal bests, first hitting a career-high of 144 rushing yards against the Denver Broncos. He then broke his own career-best the following week against the Kansas City Chiefs, rushing for 154 yards.

Raiders Offensive Coordinator Mick Lombardi spoke to the media Tuesday about how the team has grown into the run as the season progressed, attributing the gains to more practice time and repetition.

“I think consistency in practice is a big part of it,” Lombardi said. “Obviously we had a few things happen the first couple weeks in terms of, we fell behind in some games and had to get back in some games, throwing the football. And I think these guys consistently perform well at practice on Wednesdays and Thursdays in pads. They really focus in on their assignments, I think that’s really been showing up in games. And I think that’s really been a big part of where the running game has come from.”

When asked specifically about the impact Jacobs has had, especially over the previous two games, Lombardi said protecting the ball was a big component of what Jacobs worked on to improve during the offseason.

“Josh has done a great job in terms of accepting his role and obviously playing well in his role,” Lombardi said.

Click here to watch the full press conference with Mick Lombardi.

🔴🎥 Live: Offensive Coordinator Mick Lombardi and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham address the media from the Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center. https://t.co/KYWx2fyKUg

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 18, 2022

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