Josh Jacobs has been one of the most consistent and dynamic running backs in the NFL since he entered the league in 2019. Tracking his rushing yardage trends reveals interesting insights into his growth, peak performances, and challenges over his career.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Josh Jacobs’ Career
- Year-by-Year Rushing Yardage Breakdown
- Peak Season: The 2022 Rushing Title
- Factors Affecting His Yardage Trends
- Josh Jacobs’ Recent Stats and Future Outlook
Introduction to Josh Jacobs’ Career
Drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2019, Josh Jacobs quickly made a name for himself with his powerful running style and smooth agility. Over seven seasons, including a recent transition to the Green Bay Packers, Jacobs has amassed over 7,500 rushing yards and scored more than 70 rushing touchdowns.
This makes him one of the NFL’s elite running backs, known for his reliable yardage production and ability to break tackles consistently.
Year-by-Year Rushing Yardage Breakdown
Analyzing Jacobs’ rushing yards per season reveals notable fluctuations that correspond to his health, team dynamics, and workload.
- 2019 (Rookie Season): Jacobs rushed for approximately 1,150 yards in 13 games. He showed immediate promise despite limited games due to some injuries.
- 2020: He logged 1,065 yards, maintaining nearly 4 yards per carry over 15 games.
- 2021: His yardage dropped to around 872 as a result of some team offensive struggles and fewer touchdown opportunities.
- 2022: Jacobs exploded with 1,653 yards, earning the NFL rushing title—the peak yardage of his career so far.
- 2023: His total fell to about 805 yards, partly due to injuries impacting his availability and performance.
- 2024 (Recent Season with Packers): He rebounded to 1,329 rushing yards, showing he can still be a leading back.
Generally, his yards per carry have fluctuated mostly between 3.5 and 4.9, a solid range that reflects his ability to consistently gain positive yardage on carries.
Peak Season: The 2022 Rushing Title
2022 was the year Josh Jacobs dominated the league as the top rusher with 1,653 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. He carried the Raiders’ offense with 340 rushing attempts, averaging a superb 4.9 yards per carry.
“Josh Jacobs became the NFL rushing yards leader in 2022, showcasing elite durability and explosiveness that the Raiders relied upon heavily.”
This season also marked significant personal milestones, including multiple 100-yard rushing games and critical touchdowns that helped the team in close contests.
Factors Affecting His Yardage Trends
Several key factors explain shifts in Jacobs’ rushing yardage across his NFL tenure:
- Injuries: Occasional injuries, including a quad injury toward the end of 2023, limited his games and explosiveness.
- Team Offensive Strategy: Raiders’ varying offensive line quality and scheme changes impacted running lanes and Jacobs’ opportunity.
- Workload Management: His number of carries per season fluctuated with coaching decisions aiming to balance productivity and durability.
- Transition to New Team: The move to the Packers in 2024 introduced different offensive systems but did not significantly diminish his rushing production, highlighting his adaptability.
Josh Jacobs’ Recent Stats and Future Outlook
As of 2024, Josh Jacobs continues to be a high-impact rushing weapon, with stats reflecting his resilience and adaptation to a new environment. His 1,329 yards with the Packers demonstrate strong form, even as defenses adjust to his style.
Experts note Jacobs’ blend of speed, vision, and physicality remains a cornerstone for his teams. While highlight-reel runs electrify fans, his consistent ability to gain tough yards every down is what sets him apart.