The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense dealt with some injuries to key pieces this season, but they had two constants pushing the offense all year long, running back Josh Jacobs and wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams having an outstanding season is no surprise, even if it was his first in silver and black after being acquired from the Green Bay Packers this offseason. He has been considered the NFL’s premier receiver over the last few years. But Jacobs having the season he did, leading the NFL in rushing yards, was something nobody saw coming as it was unclear if he would even be a Raider when the season started.
The NFL Players Association named their first-ever All-Pro team, voted on by active players, and both Jacobs and Adams are part of the inaugural team via Marcus Mosher of Yahoo Sports:
The NFLPA named their first-ever All-Pro Team on Wednesday voted in by active players only. That name included two players for the Raiders; RB Josh Jacobs and WR Davante Adams.
Jacobs’ selection was a no-brainer as he led the league with 1,653 rushing yards while ranking fourth among running backs with 12 rushing touchdowns. He ranks seventh among backs in yards per carry at 4.9, but of the six backs ahead of him, only Cleveland’s Nick Chubb is within 100 carries of Jacobs. In other words, no one could match Jacobs’ combination of volume and efficiency.
Adams being one of two receivers, along with Justin Jefferson, is a bit more of a contentious argument as others could make claim. Most notable was Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins, who had more receptions and yards than Adams, but the Raiders star doubled Hill in touchdowns, 14 to seven. Both were more than deserving of the spot, but ultimately it went to Adams.
What is clear is that the Raiders have two cornerstones to build the offense around. Adams has already made it clear that he wants to remain with the franchise, even as the team moves on from his close friend, quarterback Derek Carr.
Jacobs, on the other hand, is a free agent this offseason but has expressed his desire to stay with the Raiders as well. The hope is that the two sides can agree on a new contract, but there is also the chance that the Raiders choose to use the franchise tag if they can’t figure out a long-term deal.
