The Oakland Raiders made a statement Week 1 win against their AFC West division rivals Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football yesterday—the last Monday night game at the Coliseum. Head coach Jon Gruden was especially impressed with running back Josh Jacobs' performance.
The 21-year-old Jacobs was the Raiders' first-round selection from the 2019 NFL Draft after playing collegiately at Alabama. Oakland used the 5-foot-10 Jacobs as their key offensive weapon in the season-opening victory, having the running back rush 23 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
An NFL debut with two touchdowns is a great achievement for Jacobs, who the Raiders hope can provide a boost for their running game.
Here's what Gruden had to say about his rookie running back's debut (via the Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald):
“I don't want to jinx it. I'm just really happy with him. He's a great kid, number one. And he's got a lot of passion for football. He's smart. … He's a student of the game, and he's a talented kid, and he's got a big upside.”
Raiders coach Jon Gruden Tuesday on Josh Jacobs and rookie class in general pic.twitter.com/MklUAA5Dbz
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) September 10, 2019
Along with Jacobs, the Raiders have another what could be a key offensive option in rookie wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. A fifth-round pick out of Clemson, the 23-year-old Renfrow only grabbed down two receptions for 13 yards against the Broncos in Monday night's win.
Despite the much less impressive opening act for Renfrow, he and Jacobs could be staples for franchise quarterback Derek Carr, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension with the Raiders organization prior to the 2017 season.