The 2024 NFL season marked a pivotal evolution for Josh Jacobs as he transitioned into the Green Bay Packers’ offensive system. His ability to adapt to new schemes under Coach Matt LaFleur turned him into the team’s centerpiece, elevating both his performance and the overall running attack.
Table of Contents
- Background: Jacobs Joins the Packers
- 1. Embracing a Power-Run Offensive Style
- 2. Improved Vision and Patience Between Tackles
- 3. Enhanced Role in the Passing Game
- 4. Dominance in Goal-Line and Red-Zone Scenarios
- 5. Increased Durability and Workload Management
- Video Insight: Jacobs in 2024 Packers Offense
Background: Jacobs Joins the Packers
In March 2024, Josh Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million contract with Green Bay, signaling a clear commitment from the Packers to build their offense around him. After parting ways with Aaron Jones, the coaching staff sought a back with a more physical, power-running style.
Jacobs brought a stocky, strong frame perfectly suited for the Packers’ shift toward power concepts, which involve using strength and patience to break tackles and grind out tough yards rather than relying on speed or finesse.
1. Embracing a Power-Run Offensive Style
One of Jacobs’ most notable adaptations has been his integration into a classic power-running scheme. Green Bay’s blocking schemes in 2024 favored downhill runs, utilizing multiple lead blockers and pulling linemen.
- Yards per carry: Jacobs improved from 3.45 in 2023 to 4.42 in 2024.
- Touchdowns: He scored 16 rushing touchdowns, tied for fifth most in the NFL.
- Goal-line carries: He ranked 8th in such attempts, showcasing trust in short-yardage situations.
This physical approach allowed the Packers to commit fully to Jacobs as a workhorse back, moving away from the more floaty running style seen in previous seasons.
2. Improved Vision and Patience Between Tackles
Adapting to LaFleur’s scheme meant not just running hard but also being smarter with cutbacks and reads.
Jacobs refined his vision in 2024, waiting longer for blockers to clear lanes before hitting the gap decisively. This patience contributed to an increase in effective rushing attempts and yards after contact.
- Yards after contact rate: Increased to nearly 47%, making him one of the tougher backs to bring down.
- Broken tackle percentage: Remained high at 17.8%, reflecting his ability to extend runs.
3. Enhanced Role in the Passing Game
While traditionally a ground-and-pound runner, Jacobs expanded his role as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
- His target share on the team rose to nearly 12%, with an impressive catch rate around 80%.
- Jacobs’ yards after catch averaged nearly 10 yards, highlighting his ability to gain chunks of yardage after receptions.
- The Packers utilized screens, check-downs, and wheel routes to keep defenses honest and open up the run game.
This multidimensional usage made Jacobs harder to predict and gave quarterback Jordan Love a reliable safety valve in passing situations.
4. Dominance in Goal-Line and Red-Zone Scenarios
Jacobs became the Packers’ unquestioned goal-line back in 2024, translating the team’s power philosophy into touchdowns.
“Josh Jacobs’ presence in tight spaces changed Green Bay’s red-zone offense, allowing them to convert more efficiently on scoring opportunities.”
- His goal-line touchdown total was among the league’s best, demonstrating his effectiveness in short-yardage, high-pressure plays.
- This reliability helped compensate for inconsistencies elsewhere in Green Bay’s offense.
5. Increased Durability and Workload Management
Jacobs proved remarkably durable through the 2024 season, carrying the rock heavily in a demanding offense.
- He topped 20 touches in eight games, becoming one of coach LaFleur’s first true “workhorse” backs in Green Bay.
- Despite the heavy workload, Jacobs managed to maintain peak physical condition, an impressive trait given past injury concerns.
- The Packers occasionally distributed touches to backups but clearly positioned Jacobs as the focal point for both running and passing schemes.
Video Insight: Jacobs in 2024 Packers Offense
To better understand Jacobs’ adaptation, watching his highlights offers clear visual proof of his powerful running style and agility in different offensive sets.
The video highlights Jacobs’ balance of power and finesse, showcasing how he fits perfectly into the Packers’ evolving offensive identity.