On November 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs put on a show, scoring three touchdowns to propel his team to a decisive 38-10 victory over the injury-depleted San Francisco 49ers. The win marked the Packers' sixth victory in their last seven games, showcasing Jacobs as the central figure of the offense.
Jacobs, who joined the Packers as a free agent after previous seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, carried the ball 26 times for 106 yards. His impressive performance included three 1-yard touchdown runs, with each one contributing significantly to the Packers' scoring. The first touchdown came late in the first half, extending the lead to 17-0. He added two more touchdowns later, solidifying the Packers’ advantage at key moments of the game.
According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Jacobs was particularly effective, causing 15 missed tackles—the highest number recorded by any ball-carrier this season. His ability to break tackles not only underlined his skill but also highlighted the Packers' offensive strategy, which focused on leveraging Jacobs' power, especially near the goal line.
This game was particularly significant for Jacobs, marking his first three-touchdown game since his time with the Raiders. Previously, he had accomplished the feat against the Carolina Panthers and the Houston Texans. This latest performance was also the 20th career game where Jacobs rushed for over 100 yards, indicating his consistent reliability as a running back.
Throughout the game, the Packers demonstrated much-needed adjustments as they had struggled with red-zone efficiency earlier this season. Prior to the matchup, they ranked 27th in the league for scoring touchdowns within the red zone, converting fewer than half their attempts. Against the 49ers, the Packers found the end zone on all five of their red-zone trips.
Jacobs himself acknowledged the team's offensive struggles leading up to this matchup, expressing frustration over the lack of utilization within the scoring area. Head Coach Matt LaFleur had started to see the wisdom of giving Jacobs more responsibility when close to the end zone. Speaking after the game, Jacobs said, "I was just like, 'Man, trust me. Allow me to figure it out.'" It appears the Packers made the right call by trusting Jacobs when it mattered most.
The 49ers, meanwhile, were without key players due to injuries. Starting quarterback Brock Purdy was sidelined with a shoulder injury, and star players like Trent Williams and Nick Bosa also missed the game. Consequently, Brandon Allen took the reins as the QB for the 49ers, marking his first start since 2022. He accounted for 199 passing yards, with one touchdown to George Kittle but also threw one interception.
San Francisco struggled to establish any semblance of offensive rhythm. Star running back Christian McCaffrey couldn’t find his footing either, managing just 31 rushing yards on 11 carries. This glaring inconsistency contrasted sharply with Jacobs' dominating performance on the other side of the ball.
Jacobs' three touchdowns underscored not only his talent but also the necessity for the Packers to have him heavily involved as they face the Miami Dolphins next on Thanksgiving. His ability to grind out tough yards, especially from the 1-yard line, has the potential to simplify the Packers’ offense, allowing them to convert red-zone opportunities more effectively.
Looking forward, Jacobs mentioned, "If need be, I’ll figure it out," as he embraced the possibility of another high-volume game coming up against the Dolphins. Coach LaFleur echoed this sentiment, noting Jacobs' resilience and importance to the offensive strategy.
After the game, Jacobs was quick to attribute the team's success to hard work and teamwork. "I just be out there playing," he noted, casually shrugging off the pressure of such big performances. His laid-back demeanor off the field belies his fierce competitive drive on it. The Packers and their fans will undoubtedly be hoping for more exhilarating shows as Jacobs continues to establish himself as the heartbeat of the team's offense.
