Photo Credit: AP Photos
The Green Bay Packers didn’t rely on flashy passing or big defensive plays in their dominant 38-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Instead, head coach Matt LaFleur leaned on a punishing rushing attack led by running back Josh Jacobs, supported by a determined offensive line.
Jacobs’ Dominance on the Ground
Jacobs powered the Packers’ offense with 106 rushing yards and three 1-yard touchdowns, all scored between the tackles. The performance showed the Packers they don’t need to rely solely on quarterback Jordan Love or defensive takeaways to win games.
“You know that No. 8 out there?” LaFleur said referring to Jacobs by his number. “Did you see how many people he made miss? It was pretty impressive.”
Jacobs has been worth every cent of the $14.8 million he’s earning this season. He’s averaging 80.6 yards per game between the tackles, second in the NFL behind Saquon Barkley. That’s the highest average by a Packers player since 2006, when ESPN began tracking rush direction.
A Balanced Offensive Attack
The Packers ran the ball 42 times, more than in any game this season outside of Week 2, when they had backup quarterback Malik Willis under center. Backup running back Emanuel Wilson chipped in with nine carries for 41 yards, including two big runs of 9 and 19 yards during a first-quarter drive.
The strong run game allowed Love to play efficiently, avoiding turnovers for the first time this season. He completed 13 of 23 passes for 163 yards, including touchdowns to Tucker Kraft and Malik Heath.
“I think it all started with the run game,” Love said. “I think we were making some big plays in the run game. The O-line was doing a great job giving Josh some lanes, and then just handing the ball to 8. Three touchdowns on the ground for him, big night for him. I think it all started up front.”
Red Zone Efficiency Improves
The Packers entered the game ranked 27th in red zone touchdown percentage, but they went 5-for-5 inside the 20 against the 49ers. Jacobs credited the offensive line and the team’s preparation for the turnaround.
“I just told ’em, give me the ball.” Jacobs said laughing. “I think we went in with a great scheme. I think it’s going to be a point of emphasis in this building, trying to be an area to grow in and be better in. So it’s good when you know that you’ve been putting in hard work all week and it’s paying off.”
Playoff Aspirations
After improving to 8-3, the Packers believe their physical ground game can help them make a deep playoff run. Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt didn’t hold back his optimism: “Super Bowl. I mean, If we’re all clicking together as one, Super Bowl. That’s all I can say.”
LaFleur also expressed confidence in his running back depth, with Wilson and Chris Brooks ready to step up if needed. Jacobs, however, has proven to be the heart of the Packers’ offense.
“Luckily for us, we do have confidence in those other two backs,” LaFleur said. “I thought Emanuel Wilson ran really good. [Chris] Brooks has given us some good carries as well. So yeah, we may have to lean on those guys a little bit more next game in a couple days here. But that’s one guy that I don’t worry about is Josh Jacobs. That guy is an animal. He is a dawg and a dawg competitor. He definitely relishes those opportunities.”
The Packers face a quick turnaround with a Thanksgiving night matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Jacobs, who briefly left Sunday’s game with cramps, will be key as Green Bay looks to keep its momentum rolling.
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This report used information from ESPN.
