GREEN BAY, Wisconsin: The Green Bay Packers are taking a chance by selecting Josh Jacobs over Aaron Jones, believing that Jacobs from 2022 will be their running back in 2024 and beyond. The 2022 season for Jacobs was outstanding. His 1,653 rushing yards were the most in the NFL, but it was more important how he accomplished it. Pro Football Focus reports that Jacobs forced 90 missed tackles, which is the most in the NFL. His 1,156 yards after contact would have been good for ninth place in the NFL on its own.
Even though Jones played for the team for seven seasons, he was never able to sprint for 1,156 yards during his career. It’s hardly a slight against Jones. His 5.05 yards per yard average is fifth among all running backs in NFL history, just above Hall of Famers Barry Sanders and Gale Sayers. 49ers All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, arguably the best running back in the game right now, has just ever reached that milestone in his seven seasons. Jones ran with remarkable fortitude to churn out some hard yards for a tiny back. But a majority of his yards came from his exceptional acceleration, which made it possible for him to outpace opponents to the spot and avoid tackle attempts.
- It’s uncommon to see someone like Jacobs break a tackle and reach full speed. “I think contact balance, man,” he exclaimed, elaborating on his ability to break tackles. Knowing angles, being aware of how the body moves, and so. I look at the way guys’ shoulders [are pointed] when approaching from an angle. I kind of try to leverage the momentum they’re gaining against them.
