Josh Jacobs ‘runs real routes’ after signing Packers contract

Josh Jacobs could pose an even bigger threat on offense after a weak 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers.

The former Las Vegas Raiders running back said during an appearance on NFL Network The Insider that his new coach lets him “run real routes” in training.

“Just being able to go out there and actually show that I can catch the ball more often,” Jacobs said. “Not only that, but trusting myself enough to provide protection. It’s just something really special when you have a guy like Jordan Love back there and you can’t just fill the box every play and the defense has to decide what they want to stop. I think that’s what’s going to help me the most this year.”

After catching just 37 passes last year with the Raiders, Jacobs could be more versatile in 2024, making him a potential dark horse in fantasy football leagues that prioritize the number of passes caught.

Jacobs is also excited about his new quarterback after signing with Green Bay. The veteran spoke highly of Packers quarterback Jordan Love, saying he believes he can become an elite quarterback in the NFL.

“To me, from everything I’ve seen, he has all the attributes and the tools to be a superstar in this league,” Jacobs said. “I think if he continues to play, gain experience and gain more confidence in his abilities and what he can do, he will be the next superstar in this league for sure.”

Love is preparing for his fifth season in the NFL, but it is only his second as the team’s starter. It was a very successful season, as he threw for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns and led Green Bay to a 9-8 record.

The Packers secured the final NFC wild card spot, defeating the Dallas Cowboys in the wild card round. Their playoff run ended in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers, but it was still an excellent run that promised a bright future ahead.

Signing Jacobs as a free agent was a move to make Love’s job easier. The two-time Pro Bowler had 5,545 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns in his career. His 2022 season was particularly exceptional, as he led the league with 1,653 rushing yards, scored 12 rushing touchdowns and even contributed 400 yards in the passing game.

Love has two dynamic running backs in Jacob and AJ Dillon and hopes to show further improvements in the Packers’ offense in 2024.