Green Bay’s Ground Game Has Outgrown Their Scheme

Matt LaFleur is one of the NFL's top offensive minds and arguably the league’s best run-play designer this season.

Despite weak run blocking, LaFleur's play designs have sustained the Green Bay Packers' rushing efficiency. Josh Jacobs ranks in the top five in rushing yards and PFF rushing grade, even though the Packers are a bottom-10 team in run blocking. Additionally, ESPN lists Green Bay as 22nd in run-block win rate.

Having a back like Jacobs helps the offense move the ball on the ground. He’s the backbone of Green Bay’s offense and leads the NFL in missed tackles forced.

Green Bay overcame early-season blocking struggles with creative backfield motion and Jacobs' high-level play. The offensive line has improved recently, easing his workload and boosting the ground game.

The Packers posted rushing grades of 81.3 against the San Francisco 49ers and 89.3 against the Miami Dolphins because neither team could stop Green Bay’s ground attack. Jacobs often had a clear path to exploit the second and third levels of the defense, thanks to the offensive line’s exceptional performance.

Zach Tom recorded a run-blocking grade of 78.1 against San Fran. Furthermore, while Elgton Jenkins has a run-blocking grade below 60 this season, he posted an 87.4 grade against the Niners.

Green Bay’s interior offensive line has significantly improved since the start of the season. Sean Rhyan is recognized for his mauling ability in the run game and has stepped up at right guard since the Packers placed Jordan Morgan on injured reserve.

Green Bay frequently uses Tucker Kraft as a chip in motion across the line of scrimmage, giving Jacobs an extra second to attack the lanes. That strategy has often paid off. Kraft is one of the league's best tight ends when it comes to run blocking; he’s a force in the trenches.

While the offensive line has improved, it still has room for growth. Jacobs averaged 5.2 yards per carry by halftime but finished Sunday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks with just 3.6 yards per attempt. He touched the ball on nine of the 10 plays in Green Bay's first possession. Once Mike McDonald adjusted his defense, the Packers' ground game had no answers.

Chris Brooks is also making meaningful contributions in the run game. While he's primarily a running back, his efficiency in engaging defenders and creating extra space for Jacobs to exploit gaps has been valuable.

Jacobs' playing style is one key factor influencing Green Bay’s offensive approach. In a Monday press conference, Adam Stenavich

Green Bay boasts one of the most versatile passing offenses in the league. If their run blocking becomes more efficient each week, they will be a dangerous team in January. Playoff teams often succeed by running the ball effectively, and Green Bay has the personnel and scheme to do that. While improvement is evident, there is still room for further evolution.