Why RB Josh Jacobs Is Critical to Packers’ Success with TE Tucker Kraft Out

When Josh Jacobs is in the zone, it’s often inside the 20-yard line. He doesn’t see other players — even those standing between him and the goal line. He doesn’t see the crowd or the sidelines either. Just the field is in focus. Everything else is dim. 

All he hears is his own breathing. He feels free, like he can do no wrong.  

"We call it flow state," Jacobs said last month. "You become out of body almost." 

The Packers (5-2-1) will need the veteran running back in the zone now more than ever. With star tight end Tucker Kraft out for the season with a torn ACL, Jacobs at his best would go a long way toward making up for the missing production. 

Ahead of Green Bay's game against the Eagles (6-2) on Monday night, the three-time Pro Bowler ranks second in the NFL with 10 red-zone touchdowns. He has carried the ball 141 times for 541 yards and has 23 receptions for 204 yards, pacing for a career-high 25.5 receiving yards per game. 

Josh Jacobs has been dominant for the Packers inside the red zone this season. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Outside the red area, though, Jacobs hasn’t been particularly efficient. Of the 43 qualified running backs, he ranks 33rd in yards per carry (3.8) and 38th in rushing yards over expected (minus-29), according to Next Gen Stats. Outside the red zone, Jacobs has recorded a career-low 0.8 yards before contact and has been hit behind the line of scrimmage on a career-high 42.7% of attempts, per NGS.

"We haven’t hit as many explosive runs as we have in the past," offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said last week. "I’m not going to lose faith in Josh Jacobs. I love how he’s running. He’s doing a great job. I think it’s only a matter of time before we start getting it going."

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