Packers running back Josh Jacobs may be rounding into form.
Late in last week’s Green Bay victory over the Bengals, Jacobs became the focal point of the offense, as his physical running style wore down Cincinnati and he was a key part in the Packers not just draining the clock in the fourth quarter but putting the game out of reach.
Packers’ Josh Jacobs vs. the Cardinals run defense a critical matchup
Sep 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) scores a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
If Green Bay is going to avoid a trap game scenerio on Sunday afternoon in Arizona against the Cardinals, head coach Matt LaFleur may be wise to lean into Jacobs to power an offense that runs the ball to set up the pass.
Over at Pro Football Focus, NFL analyst Thomas Valentine argues that Jacobs’ matchup against the Cardinals’ run defense may be the game’s deciding factor.
“Josh Jacobs remains one of the more consistent running backs in the NFL,” Valentine writes for PFF. “As his 82.1 overall PFF grade is tied for second-highest in the NFL. Jacobs has carried the ball 98 times for 359 yards and six touchdowns, and his 10 rushes of 10 yards or more are 11th in the league.
“He’ll take on a Cardinals defense that has allowed the ninth-most explosive runs (17) in the NFL through six games.”
Jacobs’ explosiveness has been a hallmark both of his career, and a calling card of LaFleur’s offense, since he landed in Detroit last offseason.
As PFF points out, Jacobs isn’t just averaging 3.57 yards after contact which underscores how daunting a task he presents opposing defenses but he’s forced 17 missed tackles, which is 11th most in the NFL.
if the Packers are going to keep the momentum going and leave the early season struggles closing out opponents late in games behind, Jacobs could play a pivotal role against the Cardinals.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) stiff-arms Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (29) on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
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