Tag: Josh Jacobs

Packers RB Josh Jacobs needs only 10 games to go over 1,000 total yards in 2024

Josh Jacobs became just the 10th player in Packers history to produce at least 1,000 total yards in the first 10 games of a season.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs gained 134 total yards and went over 1,000 total yards for the season during Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears.

Jacobs rushed 18 times for 76 yards and caught four passes for a season-high 58 yards in Week 11.

It took Jacobs — who currently has three straight games with over 100 total yards — just 10 games to go over 1,000 for the season. He became just the 10th player in Packers history — and first since Ahman Green in 2004 — to gain at least 1,000 total yards in the first 10 games of a season.

Jacobs is one of eight NFL players with at least 1,000 total yards after 11 weeks this season, joining Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, Bijan Robinson, Ja’Marr Chase, Jahmyr Gibbs and Breece Hall.

Remarkably consistent, Jacobs currently has eight games with at least 90 total yards this season. The team record is 14, set by Green during the 2003 season. Jacobs has seven more games to add to his total. He also has five games with 100 or more (Green also holds that record, with 12 in 2001).

At his current pace, Jacobs would finish the 2024 season with 1,740 total yards — which would represent the second-most in a season in his career and the fourth-most in franchise history. Only three players — Green, Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens — have ever gained over 1,700 total yards in a season in Packers history.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones, who Jacobs is replacing in Green Bay, has 954 total yards in 10 games this season. He ranks ninth — and right behind Jacobs — in total yards in the NFL in 2024.

How bad is Raiders rushing attack? Just look at their former feature back’s numbers this season

Packers RB Josh Jacobs is among several NFL backs putting up better numbers alone than the entire Raiders team.

There are many stats you can use to show how bad the Raiders have been on the ground this season. Fist and foremost is simply looking at their numbers compared to the rest of the league where they are dead last in yards (692) and yards per carry (3.5).

Another way would be to compare their rush numbers to that of the last feature back they had prior to this season.

Josh Jacobs was allowed to leave as a free agent this offseason. A year after the team had retained him on a the franchise tag.

The Packers seem to be ok with their investment. Jacobs is currently fourth in the league with 762 yards rushing. That’s right, he has more yards alone than the entire Raiders team and in the same number of games.

In fact, if Jacobs continues to run at his season pace of 84.7 yards per game, he will surpass his entire 13-game 2023 total (805) this week.

The Packers are also sitting at 6-3 on the season.

Safe to say he’s enjoying his time in Green Bay instead of running into brick walls in the Raiders offense.

Jacobs isn’t alone among individual backs outpacing the Raiders either. He is one of five backs this season to have more rushing yards AND averaging more yards per game by themselves than the entire Raiders team (76.9).

Derrck Henry — 112 ypg (10)
Saquon Barkley — 110.1 ypg (9)
Chuba Hubbard — 81.8 ypg (10)
Josh Jacobs — 84.7 ypg (9)
Jahmyr Gibbs — 80.8 ypg (9)

These kinds of numbers were a primary reason the Raiders fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy last week after just nine games along with two other members of the offensive coaching staff.

They came into the season saying they were going to build the offense around the run game and that plan has proven to be a big reason for their demise. They sit at 2-7 having lost five straight.

The Raiders now come out of the bye week where they hope the changes on the offensive staff will make a positive difference in how the team performs.

Packers RB Josh Jacobs’ impact being felt on and off the field

Running back Josh Jacobs is helping the Packers on and off the field in 2024.

When the Green Bay Packers released Aaron Jones in the offseason, they lost not only one of the best running backs the organization has ever had but also one of their top leaders. Fortunately, when they landed free agent Josh Jacobs, they found an excellent replacement.

Already a five-year pro before arriving in Green Bay, Jacobs was well-respected within the Las Vegas Raiders organization. Jacobs has brought those leadership skills into the Packers’ locker room.

“He’s awesome. He’s a great leader, a great teammate, just a great example for everybody,” Head Coach Matt LaFleur said of Jacobs after their Week 7 win over the Houston Texans. “He’s totally selfless in what he does. He’s been a great addition to our locker room.”

Part of Jacobs’ leadership duties includes mentoring rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd. On Monday, Jacobs said he has been driving Lloyd to practice every day while the third rounder has been hurt to make sure he is in the right headspace.

Jacobs expects Lloyd to return to practice this week after missing the last seven games with an ankle injury. Last week, general manager Brian Gutekunst hinted Lloyd would be activated off injured reserve to fill the roster spot left by edge rusher Preston Smith, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In addition to being a veteran leader, Jacobs was also expected to replace Jones’ production on it. In eight seasons with the Packers, Jones ranks third in franchise history with 5,940 rushing yards.

That sort of production may seem impossible to replace, but Green Bay knew what they were getting when they brought in Jacobs. In two fewer seasons, Jacobs isn’t too far behind Jones in career rushing yards. He was also the league rushing champ in 2022, something Jones never accomplished.

Through the first nine games of the 2024 season, Jacobs has been nothing short of impressive, ranking fourth in the NFL with 762 rushing yards. He has helped carry the run game to numbers that haven’t been seen in over two decades. The Packers’ 1,393 yards as a team are the most through the first nine games of a season since 2003.

What’s scary is that Jacobs feels like the run game could be even better.

“We’ve been pretty good as a unit and it’s crazy because we could be so much better,” Jacobs said. “I think that’s the fun part about this back half of the season is trying to chase the perfection, trying to chase being great as a unit, and trying to come in each day and lock in.”

Largely thanks to Jacobs, Green Bay’s rushing attack is performing better than it has in years. However, for as good as Jacobs is on the field, what he does off the field is also incredibly valuable.

Packers RB Josh Jacobs wins appeal, has $45K fine rescinded

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs won his appeal and had a $45,020 fine rescinded by the NFL, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs won his appeal and had a $45,020 fine rescinded by the NFL, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Jacobs was originally fined for unnecessary roughness/illegal use of helmet for an unpenalized play during the fourth quarter of the Packers’ Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans.

Per Pelissero, this is the third time Jacobs has won an appeal over a fine in the last two years.

The original fine was for Jacobs lowering his head and initiating contact with an opponent.

Appeals are handled officers Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae and Jordy Nelson, four former NFL players. Decisions made by the appeals officers are final and binding.

Through nine games, Jacobs has 762 rushing yards, 890 total yards and four total touchdowns on 177 total touches.

The Packers have a bye week in Week 10. Jacobs has been nursing an ankle injury over the last two weeks but could be healthy coming out of the bye. The Packers return to the field against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Packers RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) expected to play vs. Lions

Packers running back Josh Jacobs will play through an ankle injury on Sunday against the Lions.

The Green Bay Packers will have both their quarterback and running back available for Sunday’s NFC North showdown with the Detroit Lions. Not only will Jordan Love play through a groin injury, but running back Josh Jacobs is also expected to play through an ankle injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Jacobs injured his ankle during the Packers’ win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. He missed practice Wednesday but was confident in his ability to work through the injury and play Sunday. Jacobs was limited at practice on both Thursday and Friday.

“I’ll be good for game time,” Jacobs said Wednesday.

The Packers listed both Love and Jacobs as questionable.

Jacobs has rushed 145 times for 667 yards and three touchdowns while catching 17 passes for 115 yards and another touchdown over eight games this season, his first in Green Bay. Jacobs is averaging 83.4 rushing yards per game and almost 100 total yards per game.

Rainy conditions at Lambeau Field on Sunday will likely force the Packers to rely heavily on Jacobs and the run game. Can he gain tough yards against the Lions? Jacobs ranks second in yards after contact and fourth in missed tackles forced, per PFF.

The Packers have a bye in Week 10, so both Love and Jacobs will have time to heal following Sunday.

Inactives are due 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday. While Love and Jacobs are expected to play, less is known about the status of center Josh Myers (wrist, doubtful) and cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee, questionable).

‘Realistic’ for Packers QB Jordan Love to play vs. Lions, RB Josh Jacobs confident he will play

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love said it’s “realistic” to think he could play Sunday through a groin injury, and running back Josh Jacobs is confident he’ll be able to play through a new ankle injury.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love said it’s “realistic” to think he could play Sunday through a groin injury, and running back Josh Jacobs is confident he’ll be able to play through a new ankle injury.

Both Love and Jacobs missed practice Wednesday. Love said he’s taking it “one day at a time” and he “definitely” wants to play against the Detroit Lions.

“I think it’s realistic,” Love said when asked about playing seven days after injuring his groin on a third-down play in the first quarter of a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Love said he’s made progress over the last few days and is expecting to continue feeling better each day moving forward.

“It’s definitely feeling better,” Love said. “I think every day it will be some improvements to it. Definitely feels better than it did Sunday.”

Coach Matt LaFleur left open the door for Love playing Sunday even if he doesn’t practice during the next two days. Love said he could play without practice reps but admitted it would not be an “ideal format for trying to play a game,” especially against a talented team like the Lions.

The big boxes he needs to check for playing Sunday? An ability to move around in the pocket, a reduced chance of aggravating the injury and being himself as a quarterback.

“Just being able to move around a little bit and be myself out there playing, and not just trying to be stuck in the pocket not being able to move if I need to move,” Love said.

While Love still has hurdles to clear, Jacobs is confident he’ll be ready to go for Sunday.

“I feel pretty good,” Jacobs said. “I’ll be good for game time.”

Jacobs said he took 4-5 hits on his ankle against the Jaguars, and missing Wednesday’s practice was more about maintenance than a suggestion he could miss Sunday’s game.

Jacobs rushed for 127 yards and two scores in the 30-27 win over the Jaguars.

Love said Jacobs has been a “steady force” and “talented runner” for the Packers in his first year in Green Bay.

“He’s a huge part of our offense, helps us get rolling,” Love said.

The Packers will practice again Thursday and Friday before issuing a final injury report on Friday afternoon.

Hear more from Love below:

Hear more from Jacobs below:

Packers RB Josh Jacobs checks all the boxes in star performance vs. Jaguars

Bill Barnwell of ESPN asked some questions of Josh Jacobs, and in a funny piece of timing, the Packers RB answered almost all of them in a star performance against the Jaguars.

In an article last week assessing the early returns on highly paid running backs from this past offseason, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell created a bit of a stir amongst Green Bay Packers fans by claiming Josh Jacobs has been “below average” to start the 2024 season. On the surface, it was a tough claim to understand — Jacobs entered Week 8 among the league leaders in carries, rushing yards, total touches and total yards.

But Barnwell, to his credit, laid out a strong statistical-based argument that dug past traditional volume numbers.

In a funny piece of timing, Jacobs answered almost all of Barnwell’s concerns during a star performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Jacobs averaged 5.1 yards per carry, didn’t fumble, had a success rate of 64.7 percent on first down, produced 35 rushing yards over expected (RYOE) and created three runs of 10 or more yards and a 38-yard touchdown — checking pretty much all the boxes Barnwell raised when assessing his first seven games.

Adding to the quality and value of the performance, Jacobs did most of his damage after Jordan Love went out with an injury. After the Packers fell behind 17-13, Jacobs carried four straight times to start the next drive — gaining 16 yards — and then finished the march with the 38-yard score, which, considering the difficulty, likely ranks high among his best runs of the season. Jacobs cut back to the left, broke two tackles and raced to the end zone. Barnwell wanted explosive plays. He wanted long runs with more difficulty involved. Check, and check.

Overall, Jacobs forced eight missed tackles and gained almost 100 total yards after first contact, per Pro Football Focus. His 35 RYOE ranked sixth among all players in Week 8. He gained more rushing yards than expected on 50 percent of his runs.

On first down, Jacobs was excellent, rushing 18 times for 106 yards and both of his touchdowns. I’d say that’s keeping the offense on schedule. Ten of his first-down carries gained four or more yards.

Overall, Jacobs finished with 127 yards and two scores on 25 carries. Jacobs now has 90 or more total yards in four straight games and six of the Packers’ first eight games. He ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards and fifth in total yards.

Is his impact over the first eight weeks that of Derrick Henry or Saquon Barkley, two other signings from this offseason? No, but Henry and Barkley are enjoying uniquely great seasons so far. Jacobs is still on pace for almost 1,700 total yards.

Entering Week 9, Jacobs ranks second in the NFL in yards after first contact, per PFF, trailing Henry by only 11 yards. He’s also fourth in missed tackles forced and third in runs of 10 or more yards.

Obviously, one week is just one week, and the Packers need Jacobs to continue the efficiency and big-play ability he showcased during Sunday’s win over the Jaguars. But Jacobs showed he still has elite, game-changing ability as a runner — which is why the Packers made him a top paid player at running back this offseason.

Again, this isn’t a criticism of Barnwell. His statistical comparison of the newly paid running backs from this offseason was tough but fair. Jacobs just timed his rebuttal perfectly.

Packers highlight: Josh Jacobs races 38 yards for go-ahead TD vs. Jaguars

Maybe the most impressive run of Josh Jacobs’ young career with the Green Bay Packers gave his team a 20-17 lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium. 

Maybe the most impressive run of Josh Jacobs’ young career with the Green Bay Packers gave his team a 20-17 lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.

Jacobs made a defender miss and raced behind the block of Christian Watson downfield to score a 38-yard touchdown, helping the Packers re-take the lead in the second half after Jordan Love exited the game with a groin injury.

Here’s the Jacobs touchdown run:

The touchdown came after the Packers fell behind 17-13 and lost Love. In came Malik Willis, and he led the Packers on an eight-play, 80-yard scoring drive. He converted a third down with a completion to Dontayvion Wicks and had a 20-yard scramble. Jacobs finished the job with the longest run of his 2024 season.

Jacobs gave the Packers a 7-0 advantage in the first half on a short touchdown run. This is his first multi-touchdown game with the Packers.

Will Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry’s success change how RBs are viewed in free agency?

Will Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry’s success change how the running back position is viewed in free agency?

Five of the NFL’s top ten leading rushers in 2024 were on different teams in 2023, and three of those players, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs, were vocal about running backs getting the short end of the stick when it comes to contracts, and a fair pay scale for the position.

Before this season, only Christian McCaffrey ($19M) and Alvin Kamara ($15M) were the outliers for massive contracts for running backs. Since then, Jonathan Taylor scored a deal for $14 million per season, while Barkley ($12.5M) and Jacobs ($12M) have proven the doubters the wrong on dishing out considerable contracts to running backs.

Ahead of the Week 8 matchup against the Bengals, Barkley was asked if his and Derrick Henry’s success this season can change how the position is viewed in free agency and when new deals are discussed.

Barkley is among the top five in rushing yards, while Henry is on pace to shatter the league’s single-season rushing record. Joe Mixon, David Montgomery, and Aaron Jones flourish with new teams or deals.

James Conner (Cardinals), Jones, Najee Harris, Nick Chubb, J.K. Dobbins, and Chuba Hubbard are among the big names who’ll test free agency, and this new theory that dual-threat running backs deserve to be paid like their counterparts at wide receiver.

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers

Key matchups for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Green Bay Packers

There is no rest for the weary as the Jacksonville Jaguars return home from their trip to London to take on Green Bay. Momentum is on their side following one of their best victories in over a year against the New England Patriots, 32-16. 

Jacksonville looks to build upon last week’s impressive offensive showing. Seven games into the regular season, the Jaguars may have found their identity on both sides of the ball and they will be put to the test against a well-rounded Packers team that has won five games while losing only two by a combined seven points

Jaguars Wire takes a closer look at this week’s key matchups for the Jaguars against the Packers in Jacksonville below.

Jaguars defense vs. Packers QB Jordan Love

The Jaguars’ defense is still an issue, especially in pass coverage and their lack of diversity outside of Cover 1 and Cover 2 defenses. However, it seems the unit found its calling card in getting pressure on the quarterback.

Edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have been excellent, with both finding a way to the quarterback consistently. That could pose an issue for the Packers, who rank 26th in time to throw at a 2.68-second average. 

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s passer rating has dipped when pressured at 61.8 compared to his 114.3 passer rating when he isn’t. His EPA total (+38.4) and yard per attempt (9.3) take a nose-dive when blitzed to a -36.4 EPA and just under five yards per attempt, according to Next Gen Stats.

It is paramount that Jacksonville has success attacking the quarterback. The Jaguars’ rush flashed against a horrible Patriots offensive line and could find similar success this week in front of their home crowd.

It helps that Arik Armstead has begun to see more snaps at defensive tackle, which was noticeable a week ago with some of the interior pressure.

Should the Jaguars blitz at their highest rate since their blowout loss on Monday Night Football against Buffalo (31.4%), it will be crucial in a potential victory.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence vs. Packers defense

It’s been hard not to notice Trevor Lawrence’s improved play in the last three weeks. His 17-game average from those three games would have the former No. 1 overall selection shattering his single-season passing yards and touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.

A reason for his improved play leads back to an increase in play-action used by offensive coordinator Press Taylor and a new-found rushing attack led by second-year running back Tank Bigsby. Lawrence is finding answers against pressure, playing with better anticipation, and showcasing more composure and poise in the pocket. 

Play-action is one of the Achilles heels for the Packers’ defense. Per Next Gen Stats, their 50 percent success rate against this passing concept is the eighth-worst in the NFL.

This is a positive sign for Jacksonville’s passing game although it may run into an issue throwing against two quality safeties in Xavier McKinney and Evan Williams. Each ranks in the top five in coverage success rate among safeties. McKinney has been a ball-hawk with a league-leading five interceptions on the season. 

It won’t be easy attacking this secondary but the Jaguars have shown they are not afraid to test defenses in the vertical thirds and post. 

Packers rushing attack vs. Jaguars run defense

This might be the game’s best matchup. Jacksonville’s run defense has shown improvement and is currently ranked sixth in football with 102.6 rushing yards allowed per game. Now, the Jaguars face one of their toughest challenges in slowing down Packers running back Josh Jacobs, one of the league leaders in rushing yards and yards after contact.

Walker and Hines-Allen will be key in setting the edge and have been sound in this area; the Jaguars have allowed the fifth-fewest yards outside the tackles and rank sixth in EPA allowed per rushing attempt. Armstead will be a factor against Jacobs, who is one of the best at making first and second-level defenders miss in space. 

Tackling in space will be important in that regard and the Jaguars are fifth in the NFL in rushing yards after contact allowed per attempt. They have defenders who can make stops and bring the ball carrier down at first contact. Yet, this will be their toughest test against one of the league’s best rushers.

If Jacksonville were to slow down Jacobs and tackle in space consistently against him, the path to victory would be much easier to navigate.