Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs nearly set a new franchise record on Sunday, tallying 126 yards after contact in a win over the Indianapolis Colts—the second-most by any Packers running back since Pro Football Focus began tracking the stat in 2006.
Ty Montgomery had 160 against the Chicago Bears in 2016.
Jacobs just beat out Aaron Jones, who logged 120 yards after contact in a 2020 meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jacobs paced Green Bay’s offensive output in Week 2, racking up 151 yards on 32 carries. His increased workload was a direct result of Green Bay being without starting quarterback Jordan Love. Backup Malik Willis started in Love’s place and was limited to only 14 passing attempts.
The Packers leaned on Jacobs early and often despite facing stacked boxes against a suspecting Indianapolis defense. However, Jacobs was still effective even though 83 percent of his production came after he was touched by an Indianapolis defender.
Somehow, it wasn’t a career-high for Jacobs, who had 162 yards after contact against the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. Jacobs said Sunday was the second craziest game he had experienced behind the Seattle game.
Amazingly, despite a hard day’s work in temperatures nearing record highs at Lambeau Field, Green Bay’s running back still felt like he had more left in the tank.
“I feel like I could play another half,” Jacobs said. “It was hot. It was hot, especially in warm-ups, but body-wise, I feel good, man. I told them, I don’t think I’ve ever had a game where I came out kind of like this clean. So, I feel good.”
With Jordan Love sidelined, the Packers may need to continue relying heavily on their running game. Fortunately, Jacobs has proven to be a durable and effective bell cow capable of shouldering the offensive load.