Josh Jacobs' Value Transcends Production

Every Green Bay Packers fan has seen at least a dozen articles praising Josh Jacobs and how he is one of, if not the best, player in Green Bay's offense.

Jacobs has recorded 100-plus scrimmage yards in nine games, hitting the mark in seven of the last eight. He has 10 rushing touchdowns in the past five games and over 1,500 scrimmage yards this season.

The Packers haven't had a running back like Jacobs in a long time. His impact goes beyond production. The mentality he brings — physical, tough, elusive — was missing in the 2010s and early 2020s. He attacks defenders head-on, breaks multiple tackles, and often requires three or more defenders to bring him down. His coolest moment, telling a Chicago Bears defender to hit him mid-run, perfectly captures the attitude he’s brought to Green Bay.

A few weeks ago, Adam Stenavich spoke about Jacobs' running ability, comparing him to old friend Aaron Jones.

“Josh (Jacobs) is more of a downhill runner,” he

Stenavich's comment about Green Bay rallying around Jacobs' play style continues to age like fine wine. The 2024 Packers are one of the most physical teams in recent history in every phase of the game.

Green Bay's running back room is playing as physically as it gets, and it's not just Jacobs. Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson have brought the energy and physicality in their share of snaps. Just by watching how they run, they clearly contribute to that physicality and energy every time they take the field.

All three Packers running backs scored a touchdown on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints. Nine players logged a rushing attempt, the most for Green Bay in a single game since October 18, 1953, against the Baltimore Colts. The Packers ran for 188 yards and pounded the Saints into submission with pure physicality and no mercy, shutting them out 34-0. It marked their largest margin of victory since a 55-14 win over the Bears in 2014.

There was some concern with Jacobs in the third quarter after he exited the game grabbing his arm and did not return. After the game, Matt LaFleur

“Coach told me at halftime that if we'd scored again, I basically was going to be shut down," Jacobs said. "I kinda knew. That's why I had to come in and play as hard as I could, try to get that last little bit."

Green Bay's physicality transcends the run game. Tucker Kraft is a top-five tight end in yards after the catch and missed tackles forced. Jacobs also leads all running backs in missed tackles forced on passing plays. The Packers went three-straight seasons without having a wideout with double-digit missed tackles forced, but Dontayvion Wicks has already reached that mark in 2024.

The physicality is also translating to the defensive side of the ball. The Saints averaged 3.4 yards per carry as a team, with their running backs averaging just 2.6 yards per attempt. Green Bay has a top-10 defense in EPA/rush and has posted at least an 80 grade in run defense in three of the last five games.

Physical teams that can run the ball and not rely solely on the passing game typically succeed in January. If the Packers continue to make physicality a key part of their game, few teams will want to see them come playoff time.