Tag: Josh Jacobs

  • Josh Jacobs Defies Penalty Curse, Leads Packers with 1,329 Rushing Yards

    Josh Jacobs Defies Penalty Curse, Leads Packers with 1,329 Rushing Yards

    When Josh Jacobs signed with the Green Bay Packers last offseason, expectations were high — but few could have predicted just how much he’d overcome during his first year in Cheese Country.

    Jacobs, known for his bruising style and explosive playmaking, quickly became the engine of Green Bay’s offense. Despite missing time due to injury in previous seasons, he stayed healthy and delivered a career year in 2025:

    • 1,329 rushing yards
    • 15 total touchdowns (career-high)
    • 4.4 yards per carry
    • 36 receptions for 342 receiving yards

    But there was one shadow looming over his breakout season — the penalty curse.

    The Penalty Problem That Nearly Overshadowed Greatness

    In an ironic twist of fate, Jacobs found himself at the center of one of the NFL’s more unusual statistical categories: most rushing yards lost to penalties.

    He led the league in that department with a staggering 94 yards wiped off the board, ahead of even Lamar Jackson, who sat at 87 yards. What’s worse? Three of his touchdowns were nullified by flags, tying him for the most in the league.

    That kind of misfortune could derail any player, especially one coming off a fresh start with a new team.

    But not Jacobs.

    Instead of letting frustration take over, he used it as fuel.

    “It’s part of the game,” Jacobs said after Week 15. “I can’t control what happens behind me, but I can control what happens when I get the ball again.”

    That mindset is exactly what made his season so impressive.

    A Redemption Arc Years in the Making

    For those who followed Jacobs’ career in Las Vegas, this resurgence came as no surprise — just long overdue.

    After being released by the Raiders following a down 2023 season, many wondered if his best days were behind him. But Green Bay saw something different — a powerful runner with underrated hands and a relentless will to prove doubters wrong.

    And prove them wrong, he did.

    From early-season dominance to late-game heroics, Jacobs reminded everyone why he was once the No. 24 overall pick in the 2019 draft.

    His chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love grew stronger as the season progressed, and his ability to grind out tough yards in cold-weather games made him a fan favorite in Lambeau.

    Why This Season Matters for the Packers

    The Packers didn’t just add Jacobs for short-term success — they brought him in to be a cornerstone of their offensive rebuild.

    At 27 years old, he’s still in his prime, and if the team can clean up blocking assignments and reduce pre-snap infractions, there’s no reason he can’t top 1,500 rushing yards next season.

    More importantly, Jacobs brings a physical identity to Green Bay’s offense that has been missing since the days of Eddie Lacy.

    His resilience, leadership, and sheer determination are exactly what head coach Matt LaFleur needs to reignite a culture in transition.

    Final Takeaway: A Story of Grit and Growth

    Josh Jacobs’ 2025 was not perfect — far from it.

    Perfection isn’t always the goal. Sometimes greatness is defined by how you respond when things go wrong.

    Despite leading the league in lost yards due to penalties, Jacobs pushed through, finished strong, and helped turn around a Packers offense that was lost.

    Now with a full offseason under his belt and a full year of trust in Green Bay, Jacobs is ready to make more noise in 2026, without the flags.

  • Jaire Alexander Future in Doubt as Packers Face Defensive Uncertainty

    Jaire Alexander Future in Doubt as Packers Face Defensive Uncertainty

    The Green Bay Packers are in a make or break offseason, and the future of star cornerback Jaire Alexander is hanging in the balance. As the team tries to find its defensive identity, Alexander’s contract situation is front and center for fans and analysts alike. Will he be a cornerstone of the defense, or is he gone? The answers to those questions will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.

    The Financial Puzzle Surrounding Alexander

    At the heart of this is a financial problem that is the NFL contract negotiation puzzle. With $17.5 million due to Alexander, this year the Packers have a tough decision to make. His recent injury history has raised questions about whether his current deal reflects his on field value.

    For the Packers, restructuring his contract into a more team friendly deal seems like an increasingly viable option—one that would benefit both sides.

    For Alexander, taking a new deal might mean he stays in Green Bay and has long term security. For the Packers, it would free up cap space and allow them to allocate resources to other areas of need. But the balance between talent, market demand, and fiscal responsibility makes this a high stakes game of chess.

    Absence from Offseason Activities: A Sign or a Strategy?

    Alexander’s no-show at voluntary workouts has everyone wondering about his commitment to the team. But this might not be as bad as it seems. Communication lines are open between Alexander and the Packers and daily talks are helping both sides understand the situation.

    This is a strategic patience from both sides as they navigate the negotiation process.

    Josh Jacobs: The Offense’s Bright Spot

    While the defense is in flux, running back Josh Jacobs is the offense’s beacon of hope. After a 15 TD, 1,329 yard season, Jacobs is not taking anything for granted.

    He’s working on the little things to turn near-misses into explosive plays and his offseason mantra of focusing on the “little things” that separate the good from the great is proof of his drive for greatness.

    The Bigger Picture for the Packers

    The Alexander contract situation and Jacobs’ improvement is the perfect microcosm of the Packers’ challenges and opportunities. As the team tries to shore up the defense and ride the offense, the outcomes of these individual stories will dictate the Packers’ path.

    With Jaire Alexander’s future in doubt, the Packers have to decide if they invest in a player who’s been a cornerstone of their defense or look elsewhere.

    A Turning Point for the Pack

    In the big chess game of NFL team building, the Packers are at a crossroads. How they handle Alexander’s contract and leverage Jacobs’ talent will tell us a lot about their priorities and vision .

    In the uncertainty and strategy, one thing is clear: the Packers are committed to growth and every move is calculated to get an edge.