Four running backs Kansas City Chiefs must stop in 2019

While the Kansas City Chiefs begin to find new ways to beat opponents with their running game, they must also figure out ways to stop the running game of those same opponents.

The Kansas City Chiefs will face a variation of running backs in 2019 from talented rookies to seasoned veterans. No matter who the running back is, the defense must stop them in order to help win games. Let’s take a look at four of the running backs that they’ll have to work hard to stop in the upcoming season.

Weeks 2 & 13 – Josh Jacobs

Drafting a running back in the first round of the NFL draft can prove to be a risky move. If a team has three first round picks, though, it may take away some of the risk involved. That’s exactly where the Oakland Raiders found themselves this last draft.

Between picking up defensive players with the fourth and 27th picks, they selected running back, Josh Jacobs, at the 24th spot. It’s obvious that Oakland has needs all over their roster and picking the former Alabama standout should be an upgrade at the position. The Chiefs will learn pretty quick how much of an upgrade Jacobs is to Oakland’s roster.

While Jacobs’ college stats don’t fly off the page, there is one thing that he is accustomed to that Oakland is not – winning. Jacobs staked his claim as the starter on a perennially great college team and will look to bring that same culture with him to Oakland. Is he a product of coach Nick Saban’s system or is he a legitimate player that will make himself known at the professional level?

That’s still left to be determined but for now, Oakland obviously saw enough in Jacobs to select him higher in the draft. With his explosiveness and low center of gravity, it’s possible he could have his way early in the season with a new Kansas City defense that’s looking to build chemistry.

If the Chiefs don’t find a way to shut Jacobs down, they’ll be looking at a lot more than weeks two and 13 when they prepare for the Raiders in the years to come.