Josh Jacobs managed to average 4.1 yards per carry and score the lone offensive touchdown for the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football. Unfortunately, he and the Silver and Black fell to 3-5 after being dismantled by the Detroit Lions 26-14 in a game that saw six Jimmy Garoppolo sacks and Jacobs even lead the team in receiving yards, with just 27.
Josh Jacobs’ Response Causes Strong Fan Reaction
After the game, Jacobs brushed off a question about whether he had any ideas on how to fix the Raiders’ offensive slump.
“I don’t know it ain’t my job,” Jacobs said via Bridget Condon of the NFL Network.
Josh Jacobs on if he has any ideas on what could spark the #Raiders offense
"I don't know it ain't my job."— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_)
Fans went to social media to give their take on Jacobs’ words. For some, there was the belief that Jacobs’ comments signifies the beginning of a locker room divide.
“Sounds like this is the beginning of losing the locker room,” one fan shared on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Others, though, responded by believing the locker room has already become lost inside the Raiders’ building.
MORE: Las Vegas Raiders Depth Chart
Some fans, however, took Jacobs’ side following his words with calling out his head coach Josh McDaniels. “Too funny. He’s right though. How can McDaniels be this bad offensively two years in a row?” the fan asked.
Another fan not only defended Jacobs, but ripped McDaniels and Garoppolo for helping make Jacobs and All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams look bad. “One of the best RBs and arguably the best WR…and yet, McDaniels and Jimmy G make both look mediocre. Time to bench Jimmy G and fire McDaniels,” that fan said.
One of the best RBs and arguably the best WR… and yet, McDaniels and Jimmy G make both look mediocre. Time to bench Jimmy G and fire McDaniels.
— El Bad Hombre (@BadHombre1846)
Other fans, though, took his words to mean that Jacobs is wanting out of the Raiders as the NFL trade deadline has officially reached its Halloween deadline.
What Else Did Jacobs Say About Raiders’ Performance?
While Jacobs claims it’s not his job to figure out how to fix the Raiders’ offense, that wasn’t his only words postgame.
Jacobs began by telling reporters that the offense has got to perform better than what it’s showing. But he was also asked about a response he shared one year ago about how he was tired of losing. Now at two games below .500, does he still have faith in the Raiders they can reverse the current trend?
“I don’t know,” Jacobs said after pausing himself for nearly five seconds. “I feel like each guy, especially this week, came in and worked their a– off. And we didn’t get the result that we needed. Obviously, there was a lot that we didn’t do right out on the field. So that’s on us.”
Lastly, Jacobs was asked about how it felt to lead the team in both rushing and receiving yards on the night.
“That don’t matter bro,” he responded. “I ain’t trying to hear that.”
How Bad Is Raiders Offense? Is There a Fix?
While Tuesday morning centered on trade rumblings and moves, the Raiders’ morning was spent with hearing “Fire Josh McDaniels” rants.
How bad has it really gotten for the Raiders, who happen to be led by an offensive guru and past Super Bowl champion like McDaniels? Here’s a dive:
- The Raiders are yet to score past 21 points in every game — and that includes in their three wins.
- Las Vegas has the worst average yards per game (268.3) among AFC teams.
- Jacobs and the Raiders’ ground game hasn’t fared much better either, as Vegas ranks last in average rushing yards per contest at just 70.
Any chance this can turn around before it gets uglier than some of the costumes on the Las Vegas Strip?
Next up is a New York Giants defense 19th overall and allowing 127.4 yards per game rushing-wise, boding well for Jacobs. However, the Giants are a respectable 12th against the pass, which could affect a struggling Garoppolo once again and leave Adams even more frustrated. The following week is the New York Jets, who also had their own struggles versus the NYG in arguably the ugliest game of 2023.
And after the dual New York games, next are AFC leaders the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs.
For what it’s worth, the Raiders are more than likely to ride out with what they have. However, losing the next four contests would put the Raiders at 3-9 overall. McDaniels was fired in his second season with the Broncos with that same mark. The second-year head coach has to find a way to make better use of Adams, Jacobs, and the offense to claim at least two wins and keep his job safe.
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