OC Bo Hardegree Finding Ways to Get Jacobs the Ball

The Las Vegas Raiders are a much better team when they running back Josh Jacobs is involved. Interim Offensive Coordinator Bo Hardegree is finding ways to do so.

For better or worse, the Las Vegas Raiders have one of the most polarizing offenses in the National Football League, with top-tier talent at critical positions on their roster. 

The Silver and Black have one of the best running backs and the best wide receivers in the NFL in their huddle every week.

The rest of the NFL knows that, too, however. That leads to defensive coordinators spending time preparing by finding ways to stop Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs.

They the cornerstones of Las Vegas' offense, but Jacobs explained his value to the Raiders' offense goes beyond carries. 

"I don't think it has to be 25 carries; it has to be 25 touches," Jacobs said. "So, however, you get it. It can be the passing game; it can be wherever. I've got to touch the ball a minimum of 20 times because of the way I run, the way I inspire the guys, and the style of play. I feel like it's contagious."

After nearly 30 touches in the previous two games, Jacobs' touches went down to 15 against the Miami Dolphins in a 20-13 defeat. 

"For me, I feel like I've got to get 20 touches some type of way," said Jacobs, who led the NFL in rusng last season. Tae [Davante Adams] has to get at least 15. That's just kind of what I believe.

"After a while, if you tackle somebody 10 times, you're going to start to feel that. At the end of the game, it starts to wear on you, regardless of if you really want to do it or not. It starts to get a little bit harder and harder each time.

"For me, my mentality and the way I approach the game is, I try to attack every time I'm on the field. I think the coaches know that I think we're starting to get that understanding."

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs feels he should get at least 20 touches a game / © Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jacobs shared how Hardegree's offense has benefited Las Vegas' playmakers. 

"I feel it's more player-oriented; it's not so much Xs and Os. It's more so what we do; we feel like we do well and try to get our playmakers the ball," Jacobs said.

Hardgree says he understands Jacobs' feelings.

"He deserves that [more touches]," Hardgree said. "I mean, he's one of the best players on our team. Yeah, we've got to be more consistent across the board, and we will be. If you look at the last game, there was a couple of missed opportunities there that you would love to have back.” 

The Raiders' offense continues to work through the process of changing their offensive coordinator and quarterback at midseason. So far, they've fared well. 

On Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, they will have another chance to continue to grow into the offense many expected they had the potential to be.

The Silver and Black will return home this week to celebrate Thanksgiving and take on their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on Sunday, November 26, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.

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