The timing of Jacobs return couldn’t come at a better time.
With the Packers running game still struggling, Jacobs return gives something the Packers haven’t had all season.
Through 6 games the Packers haven’t had a 100-yard rusher yet.
While the approach of running back by committee wasn’t as effective, the return of Josh Jacobs erases all that.
What Jacobs return means for the Packers
Josh Jacobs return gives the Packers a threat in the backfield.
With Jacobs, you have a running back who can easily get you 5-yards on first down.
This is something the Packers have struggled with in the first six games.
Typically those run downs have turned into passing downs.
This made the Packers one-dimensional, making defenses mostly focus on the pass.
The stats showed that.
The Packers were near the bottom when it came to rushing in the league.
They didn’t have a rushing touchdown until week 5 against the Bears.
With Jacobs back in the mix, the Packers can get even more on track with their running game.
Against the Bears, the Packers began to get the running game back on track.
But the leading rusher was MarShawn Lloyd with 31 yards.
Against the Cowboys, one of the worst run defenses, Green Bay couldn’t get anything going.
Their leading rusher was Pierre Strong Jr. with 28 yards.
That isn’t going to cut it for the Packers.
Jacobs can further improve the running game and give the Packers another weapon for the offense.
Passing game
Not only is Jacobs going to be a weapon in the running game, but he’ll be yet another weapon in the passing game for Jordan Love.
Jacobs in his career has always been a three down back, with age though that might be adjusted.
But don’t be too surprised to see Jacobs be used in the passing game.
Love already has Christian Watson, Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft as his main receivers.
But with Jayden Reed out for the season, Love needs another passing reciever.
Jacobs can be that guy if needed out of the backfield.
They can also use both Jacobs and Lloyd in the backfield to confuse the defense.
Once again, with Jacobs back in the mix, the Packers coaching staff can find ways to get Jacobs back in the offense again.
Playing time
Of course with Jacobs coming back, the question is how much playing time will he get?
With Josh Jacobs not getting any practice time since training camp ended, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Packers eased him back in.
I can see the Packers maybe incorporating Jacobs on 1st and 2nd down, then giving Lloyd the role of the 3rd down back.
I can also see the Packers working a split with Jacobs getting 25% of the snaps and increasing his load as the season progresses.
While Jacobs should be healthy, his cardio and stamina may be an issue seeing he hasn’t practiced since August.
You also don’t want to rush back someone who could by the key to unlocking the offenses full potential.
Long story short, Jacobs will see a little time this week against the Lions, but no worries, you’ll see him on the field more once the season progresses.
Conclusion
It is very obvious that the Packers can’t continue to a passing offense.
While they’ve done enough to keep defenses guess, sooner or later they’ll find out.
With the season changing also, the Packers will need a running game.
The Packers don’t need Jacobs to rush back, but simply his presence in the backfield will be a change for the offense.
It will be interesting to see how the Packers will ease Jacobs in and whether or not he’ll play this Sunday.
But Jacobs return couldn’t have come at a better time than now.
