GREEN BAY, Wis. — To working backs, YAC means yards after contact. For Inexperienced Bay Packers working again Josh Jacobs it means far more.
“For me, man, it is simply not giving up on a play,” he mentioned. “It is making an attempt to go on the market and provides every part that I’ve and by no means feeling like I did not attempt.”
In his first 9 video games with the Packers, that a lot has been apparent. He ranks second within the NFL behind solely the bruising Derrick Henry in dashing yards after contact, in response to ESPN Analysis, however Henry’s Baltimore Ravens have not had their bye but, so he has yet another recreation underneath his belt.
However once more, it is not in regards to the numbers.
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“I would not have the ability to are available in right here and look these guys within the eye if I really feel like I did not give every part that I had,” Jacobs mentioned. “And I really feel like I could not ask that out of them if I wasn’t exhibiting it or giving it. In order that’s simply the factor that I kinda take into consideration each time I step on that area. I do know my brother is straining for me to get a block or minimize off a DB and issues like that, so I simply attempt to play my half.”
There are different numbers that illustrate what Jacobs has meant to the Packers and why they signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract to go away the Raiders in free company. Amongst them, Jacobs is third in complete dashing yards, behind Henry and the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley, and he’s tied for fifth in rushes of 10-plus yards and is tenth amongst all backs in complete yards from scrimmage. Seven of the gamers forward of him have performed yet another recreation as a result of they have not had their bye.
Clearly the Packers have been happy with the addition.
“I am unable to say sufficient nice issues about him,” coach Matt LaFleur mentioned.
The Packers zeroed in on Jacobs as quickly as they realized long-time starter Aaron Jones was not amenable to a pay minimize. They obtained youthful and presumably extra sturdy shifting on from Jones, who missed six video games final season. Apart from a minor ankle tweak on the finish of the Week 8 win over the Jaguars that didn’t influence him the next week, Jacobs has not had any points this season.
As productive as Jones was, his dashing type was extra dizzying than damaging.
“He simply brings a unique dynamic,” Packers defensive deal with Kenny Clark mentioned of the 5-foot-10, 223-pound Jacobs. “He is a real every-down again. Simply taking part in towards him and having that have towards him, the primary three quarters he’ll take these hits — he does an ideal job at bouncing out and in of the gaps — however that fourth quarter comes round, it is arduous to maintain tackling that massive dude.”
In that sense, Jacobs has channeled one thing Packers tight finish Tucker Kraft mentioned earlier this 12 months. Kraft’s self-imposed rule is that he refuses to get tackled by a defensive again.
“I at all times attempt to inform myself if I get tackled, both they will really feel me once they deal with me, or I will make them work for it,” Jacobs mentioned. “Once they shoestring deal with me and I get tackled generally, these are those I hate essentially the most.”
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Heading into Sunday’s post-bye recreation on the Chicago Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox), the Packers (6-3) are third in dashing yards per recreation (154.8) and fourth in yards per rush (5.0). Inexperienced Bay has completed inside the highest 10 in dashing twice prior to now 20 seasons.
The Packers may need one other working again within the combine quickly. Rookie third-round decide MarShawn Lloyd is anticipated to be activated off injured reserve Wednesday, opening his 21-day observe window.
Jacobs has served as a mentor to Lloyd. He rides with the rookie from the stadium to observe every day and has tried to maintain Lloyd’s spirits up by myriad accidents. He missed a big a part of coaching camp as a consequence of hip and hamstring accidents. Then, after making his NFL debut in Week 2, he sustained an ankle harm that landed him on injured reserve.
“He kinda obtained just a little down when he obtained damage once more,” Jacobs mentioned. “And he is like, ‘Man, I am coping with this once more.’ I simply instructed him, ‘Man, be affected person. When your time comes, simply let your presence be felt. You possibly can solely management what you’ll be able to management.’
“He will be a superb working again on this league. I am excited to see him go this week.”
