New England Patriots: 5 Las Vegas Raiders players who are most dangerous
![LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate in the end zone after quarterback Derek Carr (2nd L) #4 threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Zay Jones #12 against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate in the end zone after quarterback Derek Carr (2nd L) #4 threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Zay Jones #12 against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5d43d307aba08d8134fa5cd2bb40af9a2e5775a245ccc668b6cd216b1a5eeb71.jpg)
Don’t let Josh Jacobs get off and running
The Las Vegas Raiders are limping into Foxboro and one of the playmakers listed as questionable for the Week 3 matchup is running back Josh Jacobs.
A 2019 first-round selection out of the University of Alabama, Jacobs is the kind of back who could cause some problems for the New England Patriots defense. Not only can he rush the ball, he can also catch the ball out of the backfield, which presents another area of weakness of the Patriots as they have had a tough time covering running backs out of the backfield.
If you need recent evidence, look no further than Sunday night when Seattle Seahawks running back Chris Carson burned safety Adrian Phillips for a pass reception.
You better believe Jon Gruden saw that play and plans to use Jacobs in the passing game if he is indeed ready to go.
This puts a lot of pressure on the New England Patriots linebackers. Chase Winovich, John Simon, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Brandon Copeland have to be physical against the run and also contain the edge. They simply can’t allow a talent like Josh Jacobs to get off and running in this game.
In the Monday night matchup against the Saints, Jacobs carried the ball 27 times for 88 yards. He had 3 receptions for 17 yards which tells you just how much he is featured in the Raiders’ offense. If Bill Belichick limits him, it makes the Raiders a one-dimension offense which should play in the hands of the Patriots secondary.