The Green Bay Packers witnessed a remarkable 2024 season from star running back Josh Jacobs, who made his mark with 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, ranking sixth in the NFL for rushing yards and fourth for touchdowns. However, in a recent statement to Packers.com, Jacobs stunned fans by admitting he felt he “left a lot on the table” during the past season, despite earning a Pro Bowl selection. With ambitions to claim the top spot and bring a Super Bowl trophy to the Packers in 2025, Jacobs is gearing up for an explosive performance like never before.
The “Partial Recovery” Season: What Happened?
Josh Jacobs, after joining the Packers from the Las Vegas Raiders on a four-year, $48 million contract, delivered an impressive 2024 season. He recorded 301 carries, trailing only legend Derrick Henry in carries over the past three seasons. Yet, Jacobs candidly shared that he was not fully satisfied with his performance. “I feel like I had a good year, but there’s still a lot I left out there,” Jacobs told Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. “For me, the goal is to be the best and to hoist that Super Bowl trophy at the end of the day.”
Jacobs’ 2024 stats highlight him as one of the NFL’s top running backs, with 1,329 rushing yards, 33 runs of over 10 yards (sixth in the league), and four runs of over 30 yards. However, Jacobs believes he could have produced more explosive plays, turning 10-yard runs into 30-yard or even 50-yard gains, akin to stars like Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry. He emphasized that the difference between a good player and a great one lies in maximizing opportunities, especially when breaking through the second level of defense.
Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans also agrees that Jacobs has room to break out further. He noted that Jacobs looks quicker and more explosive in offseason workouts, showing significant progress compared to last year. “His cuts, his agility, and his strength in drills look better than they did at this time last year,” Sirmans shared. This reinforces the belief that Jacobs could reach new heights in the 2025 season.
Big Ambitions for 2025: No. 1 Spot and Super Bowl
Jacobs is not only setting personal goals but also aiming to propel the Packers further in the upcoming season. After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 wild-card playoff round, he recognizes the need for improved consistency in the team’s offensive play. During an interview on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, Jacobs expressed optimism about the Packers’ potential: “We have a lot of young guys who are hungry and eager to learn. With another year of experience, I think we’ll be really strong.”
He also highlighted the critical role of the running game in creating balance for the team. “Outside of the quarterback, we’re the ones touching the ball the most on the field, so we have the most opportunities to make a difference,” Jacobs said. With support from a talented quarterback like Jordan Love and new additions like Matthew Golden and Savion Williams, Jacobs believes the Packers can build an explosive offense capable of challenging the toughest opponents.
Notably, the Packers appear to have no intention of reducing Jacobs’ workload in the upcoming season, despite his 300-plus carries in 2024. According to Coach Sirmans, the team plans to continue leveraging Jacobs as a “bell-cow back” to anchor the offense. This could be a double-edged sword, as Jacobs’ performance dipped in the second half of the previous season due to the heavy workload. However, with thorough offseason preparation, Jacobs seems ready to meet expectations.
Defying All Predictions: What Will Jacobs Achieve?
Despite being overshadowed by names like Saquon Barkley, who won the 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, Jacobs remains unfazed by being underrated. “Things will play out the way they’re supposed to,” he said with a confident smile. Instead of competing with Barkley, Jacobs is focused on self-improvement, enhancing his breakaway ability, and capitalizing on the gaps created by the offensive line.
With a challenging 2025 schedule for the Packers, including an opening matchup against the Detroit Lions and clashes with formidable teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, Jacobs will have ample opportunities to prove his worth. He has already shown leadership and a fighting spirit, setting the tone by “hitting” linebackers and defensive backs early to create opportunities for big plays later.
Packers fans have every reason to expect a breakout season from Jacobs. With his hunger for a championship, support from a young and talented roster, and meticulous offseason preparation, Jacobs is in prime position to defy all predictions. Can he lead the Packers to the Super Bowl in 2025? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Josh Jacobs is not lacking in determination.