Green Bay Packers Set to Witness Josh Jacobs’ Remarkable Comeback
Pro Football Network recently spotlighted a bounce-back candidate for each NFL team this season. For the Green Bay Packers, the spotlight shines brightly on newcomer Josh Jacobs, who is anticipated to be that standout player.
In 2022, Jacobs led the NFL with an impressive 1,653 rushing yards. However, his performance in 2023 saw a notable decline, finishing with just 805 yards and averaging 3.5 yards per attempt. A mix of factors contributed to this downturn, including injuries that limited his appearances to 13 games, and a Raiders offense that struggled to find consistent rhythm.
Jacobs himself highlighted the challenging circumstances of the 2023 season. "Obviously as a team, with the contract stuff and all of that coming in, it was a little different. We had a lot of new moving parts, we didn’t really know who the quarterback was going to be, we didn’t really know what our identity was going to be," he explained. The uncertainty affected their early games and, coupled with Jacobs’ injury towards the end of the season, the year didn't meet expectations.
The transition to Green Bay is set to provide Jacobs with a fresh start and a supporting cast conducive to his resurgence. One major advantage is the Packers’ formidable passing game, spearheaded by Jordan Love. This dynamic passing attack is likely to reduce the frequency of eight-man boxes Jacobs will face, affording him more space to maneuver.
Additionally, the Packers boast a superior offensive line compared to what Jacobs had with the Raiders. This upgrade promises to enhance his effectiveness on the field, both as a ball carrier and as a receiver. While Jacobs has always been a significant part of the passing game, amassing 249 targets over his five seasons with the Raiders, his role in Green Bay’s offense is expected to be even more pivotal.
Jacobs himself is eager to expand his contributions in the passing game under Coach Matt LaFleur’s system. "I was talking to (LaFleur) about that actually and I was telling him I feel like I want to catch it a little bit more,” Jacobs said. “I feel like I didn’t get to show that as much as I would have liked. So, that’s definitely something in the conversations we had. I know the schemes out here, they do a lot of outside-zone running. I think it just fits me, man. I can’t wait to get in and feel it out and see where I fit in. But also try to leave my mark on it, too.”
A rejuvenated Jacobs could be the linchpin for the Packers' offensive success in 2024. The late-season surge in 2023, coinciding with Aaron Jones’ return to full health and dominant rushing performances, underscored the importance of a robust run game. When an offense can reliably lean on its running game, it opens up myriad opportunities for the passing game and overall offensive versatility.
Key Points to Watch for in Jacobs’ Green Bay Tenure:
- Fewer Eight-Man Boxes: With Jordan Love’s passing threat, defenses will likely need to spread out more, giving Jacobs more room to operate.
- Better Offensive Line: A stronger offensive line in Green Bay should provide Jacobs with better running lanes and protection.
- Enhanced Passing Game Role: Jacobs is set to be more involved in the passing game, adding another dimension to his versatility and value.
- Consistency and Health: Staying healthy and finding consistent offensive rhythm will be crucial for Jacobs to return to his peak form.
In essence, Josh Jacobs is poised for a significant comeback with the Packers, supported by a more stable and dynamic offensive environment. His multifaceted skill set as both a rusher and a receiver will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of Green Bay’s offense, making him a player to watch closely in the upcoming season.
Login