Packers HB Coach Highlights Josh Jacobs' Development This Offseason
The Green Bay Packers' running game was the defining identity of their offense in 2024—not because the passing game struggled, quite the opposite. The Packers ranked sixth in EPA per pass. However, Josh Jacobs was Green Bay's top offensive player last year, and when he was a big part of the game plan, defenses had a hard time stopping them from moving the chains.
Last year, Jacobs had the most yards after contact by a Packers running back since Ryan Grant in 2008. He finished second in rushing touchdowns and ranked sixth in rushing yards and runs of 10+ yards. His 90.6 PFF rushing grade tied for fifth among qualified backs. Even with all that, the Packers believe the best is still yet to come from him.
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During Wednesday's media availability, Packers RB coach Ben Sirmans offered high praise for everything Jacobs brings to the team, both on and off the field.
Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs (8) celebrates after a fourth-quarter catch and run against the Miami Dolphins.© Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"The guy is a dawg, not just the way he carries the ball, but also just his presence," Sirmans said. "Being around really good running backs, they have a presence about them on the field that kind of permeates throughout the team through their game play as well as when they're in the locker room. Because besides the quarterback, you're touching the ball probably more than anybody else out there, so you can affect the emotions of the team more than anybody else. He's been everything that we would hope for and definitely the engine for us offensively."
Sirmans also spoke about how the three-time Pro Bowler is looking this offseason.
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"His quickness right now, his cutting ability, going through drills, exploding … I mean, he looks better this year than he did last year at this time," he noted. "The way that he practices is the same way that he plays. He's looking to set the tone every opportunity he gets and to try to get people to follow and match that type of mentality."
The Packers should have one of the league's youngest rosters in 2025, and the more players who are willing to step up and take on leadership roles, the better. Josh Jacobs was a beast in 2024, and if he takes his game to another level, there is no reason fans should not believe he can earn All-Pro honors for the second time in his career—and more importantly, be one of the cornerstones that catapult Green Bay into a successful Super Bowl run.
Related: Matt LaFleur Addresses Latest News On Packers Star Wide Receiver
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