You may be wondering, what was on Josh Jacobs' mind when he walked in Allegiant Stadium on Sunday?
"At the beginning of the game, I told the guys, 'Today's the day. I'm going to set the tone,'" Jacobs said postgame, with a game ball tucked in his arm. "I knew we were going to take the ball at the beginning of the game, so I was like, 'I'm going to come in and set the tone.' And that's what I tried to do today."
Jacobs' play didn't just set the tone for his team, but the atmosphere in Allegiant Stadium, propelling the Raiders to their first win of the season, 32-23 over the Broncos. In the first three weeks of action, Jacobs averaged 14 carries and 64 yards – unusual for the 2020 Pro Bowler who averaged over 18 carries and 70 yards a game his first two seasons.
In the Week 4 win, there was nothing pedestrian about his 28 carries, two rushing touchdowns and career-high 144 rushing yards
Josh Jacobs is a damn baller. Maxx Crosby
"He's one of the best runners that I've ever been around," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said. "Take that for what it's worth, I've been around some good ones. He has a great ability to make yards after contact. He has a great ability to make yards even if there's not a whole lot there right away. ...They were trying to strip at it, punch at it tonight. They do a great job of creating fumbles, we talked about it all week.
"I was really proud of our team that we didn't have any on the ground. JJ, with as much as he touched it, he did a good job."
Maxx Crosby, who recorded two sacks on the day, had a lot of time to marvel at his teammate on the sidelines. Crosby and Jacobs were both drafted together in 2019, and the edge rusher is extremely complementary of Jacobs' 86 second-half rushing yards to finish the game.
"Josh Jacobs is a damn baller," said Crosby. "That's been my brother since day one. I'm so happy for him. He went down there and closed the game and he's done that many times before, as we all know. I'm super fired up for him."
Jacobs believes his dominant performance "was a testament to the offensive line" as the unit forged forward to help the Raiders compile 212 rushing yards.
He's well aware the Raiders have a tough primetime matchup ahead against another AFC West foe, so it's encouraging to see the team trending upward after a rough start to the season.
"I can feel the passion in the guys that we know what we're capable of," said Jacobs. "We didn't even play a great game today. There's still a lot of things we have to improve on, but you can see that it's there. There's hope that we can see it and we're finally reaping some of the benefits of the work we've been putting in."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 26-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 10-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates after rushing for a 10-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates with running back Ameer Abdullah (22), fullback Jakob Johnson (45) and running back Brandon Bolden (34) after rushing for a 10-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Josh McDaniels on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Darien Butler (58) and running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) returns a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) returns a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) returns a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) celebrates with defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) after returning a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Matthew Butler (94) on the sidelines during the Las Vegas Raiders regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) is congratulated by defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) after returning a fumble for a 68-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 39-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) is congratulated by tackle Kolton Miller (74) after kicking a 39-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates with defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) and safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raider special teams during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) and running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) celebrates after rushing for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.
