Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) on a give to running back Josh Jacobs (28) in the second half of action at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Dec 26, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Las Vegas Raiders beat writer

The Las Vegas Raiders (8-7) were down by six points when running back Josh Jacobs approached the coaches at the half against the Denver Broncos (7-8) up 13-7 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Jacobs asked them to give him the ball that he will not let the rock get away from him like he did in the first half fumbling the ball away for a turnover.

Jacobs was granted a second chance he made up for the lost football in the first quarter and he took it to the Broncos on seven carries running for 57 yards on the opening series of the second half.

After nine plays and 75 yards of offensive effort the Raiders hit pay dirt scoring as running back Peyton Barber carried for five yards that gave the Raiders a third quarter touchdown that put them ahead 14-13.

Jacobs carried for 129 yards to help beat the Broncos and the win help keep the Raiders post season hopes alive as they move a game over .500. The Broncos now have lost three of their last four games and this puts their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

The Raiders win helped the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East through tiebreakers. The Raiders victory Sunday marks their second straight game. They also had another cliffhanger edging the Cleveland Browns on Sun Dec 19th 16-14. In three of their last four games the Raiders have held their opponents to just 17 or less points.

On Jacobs getting the ball he was gratetful for that second chance to help the Raiders punch it through for that third quarter touchdown, “Just give me a chance to play the style of ball that I want to play. The offensive line, we all came to an agreement and went out there and did it and executed.” said Jacobs. For Jacobs this was his first time rushing for 100 yards in a single game.

The Raiders play their next to last game of the season against the Indianapolis Colts (9-6) this coming Sun Jan 2, 2021 in Indianapolis 10:00AM PST. The Colts have won six of their last seven games. They had a huge win over the Arizona Cardinals (10-5) Sunday in Arizona 22-16.