Home Sport live NFL Josh Jacobs returns to elite status as an NFL running back in his inaugural season with the Packers.

Josh Jacobs returns to elite status as an NFL running back in his inaugural season with the Packers.

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Josh Jacobs returns to elite status as an NFL running back in his inaugural season with the Packers.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — A change of environment has revitalized Josh Jacobs, returning him to the peak of his performance as one of the NFL’s premier running backs. Following a challenging season last year with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs has rebounded impressively since joining the Green Bay Packers, showcasing the same skill and determination that granted him the league’s rushing title and All-Pro recognition in 2022.

Jacobs expressed confidence in his ability to succeed with his new team, stating, “I believe in me. I like me in any situation. I tell the guys that all the time. I always try to win my matchups more than I lose them. So, for me, it was just about proving it to the team.” His performances have certainly backed this assertion, as he continues to make an impact on the field. The Packers, with a current record of 10-4, are getting ready to face the New Orleans Saints (5-9) on Monday night.

So far this season, Jacobs has accumulated 1,147 rushing yards, placing him third in the league behind Saquon Barkley of Philadelphia and Derrick Henry of Baltimore. Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur commented on Jacobs’ skills, saying, “I mean, he’s an animal out there. Very few times do I feel like when we give him the ball, he doesn’t make the first guy miss.”

Last season, Jacobs held out during training camp and ended up posting career-low statistics, with just 805 rushing yards and averaging 3.5 yards per attempt. After experiencing free agency, he signed with the Packers, embracing the chance to contend for a championship. Although his only playoff appearance was in 2021 under interim head coach Rich Bisaccia, he noted the strong camaraderie within the team that mirrors previous experiences. “That’s how I’ve felt from Day One here. Everybody came in, everybody vibed with each other, everybody’s willing to give extra to each other. I’m just ready to play playoff football,” Jacobs shared.

His significant contributions on the field have propelled the Packers toward their fifth postseason appearance in six years. The decision to sign Jacobs was a strategic move, as they allowed fan-favorite Aaron Jones to leave for the Minnesota Vikings after seven successful seasons in Green Bay, where he rushed for 5,940 yards. Jacobs, at 26, is younger than Jones and is already proving to be durable, participating in all 14 of the Packers’ games while carrying the ball 265 times — more than any teammate by a wide margin.

Known for his ability to fend off defenders, Jacobs has caught the eye of opponents. Saints linebacker Pete Werner remarked, “He almost looks like a bowling ball out there.” Furthermore, Jacobs has racked up an impressive 688 rushing yards in the first halves of games this season, leading the NFL in that category. His capacity to establish dominance early has been key for the Packers, allowing them to outscore their rivals 95-34 in the opening quarter.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love emphasized the importance of starting strong by mentioning, “We always talk about starting the game off fast… Anytime you can just hand the ball to a guy and run the ball down the field, I definitely think it sets kind of the tempo of the game.” In their recent game against Seattle, Jacobs was instrumental, getting involved in each of the Packers’ first eight plays and scoring a 1-yard touchdown run that secured their lead for the remainder of the game. He finished with 26 carries and four catches.

Following the game, running backs coach Ben Sirmans humorously noted Jacobs might be too fatigued to walk, to which Jacobs replied that he felt great. “I guess he’s almost like Wolverine,” Sirmans chuckled, acknowledging Jacobs’ remarkable recovery ability. As the team heads toward the playoffs, the Packers are aware of the need to manage Jacobs’ workload carefully. Jacobs himself is optimistic, stating, “I don’t have no bruises, no nothing right now. I feel great.”

Jacobs also shared insights into how he stays productive while minimizing injury risks. “One thing about playing this long, you kind of know angles and things like that. Even if I do get tackled, it’s not like I’m getting smacked on the tackle,” he explained, highlighting his ability to maneuver in a way that mitigates impact. With confidence and health on his side, Jacobs continues to be a vital asset to the Packers as they pursue another playoff run.