When the Green Bay Packers made the decision to sign Josh Jacobs, the Pro Bowl running back out of Las Vegas, to a one-year contract ahead of the 2023 season, expectations were high. The move was seen as a win-now addition, one that could bolster a team in transition as the Packers navigated life after Aaron Rodgers. For Jacobs, the opportunity to play for a storied franchise with a rich football history was a chance to take his career to new heights. But as he steps into the Green Bay backfield, Jacobs isn’t just hoping to continue the success he had with the Raiders—he has a specific goal in mind: to accomplish something Aaron Jones, his predecessor in Green Bay, never could.
### Aaron Jones: A Legacy of Consistency but Unfulfilled Potential
Aaron Jones, who spent the entirety of his career with the Packers, was an incredibly productive and versatile running back. Since joining Green Bay in 2017, Jones quickly became a fan favorite due to his explosive plays, ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and his knack for scoring touchdowns. With over 4,000 career rushing yards, 40+ touchdowns, and numerous highlight-reel moments, Jones cemented his status as one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL during his time in Green Bay. His dual-threat ability—both running and receiving—was pivotal to the Packers’ offensive success, especially in the post-Rodgers era.
However, despite his individual success, there was one glaring omission from Jones’ resume: he never won a Super Bowl with the Packers. In fact, his tenure coincided with Green Bay’s inability to return to the NFL’s biggest stage, despite several deep playoff runs. Even when the team boasted MVP-level seasons from Rodgers, Jones and the Packers’ offense fell short in key moments, whether it was in the NFC Championship Game or in disappointing early playoff exits.
For Jones, the goal was always clear: to be a crucial part of a Super Bowl-winning team. And while he enjoyed personal achievements and had a lasting impact on the Packers’ offense, the ultimate team goal eluded him. Now, with Jones moving on to a new chapter in his career, it’s clear that Josh Jacobs has an opportunity to accomplish what Jones could not—bring a Super Bowl back to Green Bay.
### Jacobs’ Motivation: A New Beginning with the Packers
After a standout 2022 season with the Las Vegas Raiders, in which Jacobs led the NFL in rushing yards (1,653) and earned a well-deserved trip to the Pro Bowl, his move to Green Bay was viewed as an interesting change of scenery. With the Packers entering a new era, transitioning from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love, the team needed a dynamic player like Jacobs to step in and help stabilize the offense.
While Jacobs, much like Jones, has proven he can be a workhorse, his style of play is more physical. He’s known for his hard-nosed running and is capable of handling a heavy workload, making him an ideal fit for Green Bay’s run-first philosophy. Jacobs is also a weapon in the passing game, similar to Jones, but with a bit more of a bruising mentality when running between the tackles. His presence in the backfield gives Love and the Packers’ offense a proven veteran who can not only break off long runs but also move the chains on critical short-yardage situations.
But Jacobs doesn’t just want to fill a role—he wants to accomplish what Jones could not: bring a Super Bowl to Green Bay.
### A Realistic Shot at Glory?
Despite being a talented and productive player, Jacobs is aware of the weight of the task in front of him. The Packers, like many teams in the NFL, are in a period of transition. With Love at quarterback, Green Bay is entering a new phase of its football program. But that doesn’t mean the window for a Super Bowl run is closed. In fact, Jacobs sees an opportunity.
For Jacobs, the potential to win a championship is not just a personal goal, but a testament to the potential he sees in the team around him. The Packers may be transitioning from a Hall of Fame quarterback in Aaron Rodgers to a young signal caller in Jordan Love, but they still possess a strong foundation. The defense is solid, with players like Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, and Jaire Alexander providing a formidable presence on that side of the ball. And offensively, there’s talent in the receiving corps with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs, who can stretch the field and open up running lanes for Jacobs.
But Jacobs recognizes that the Packers’ success is ultimately tied to his ability to deliver consistent production. He’s not only the new face in the backfield but a leader in his own right. Much like Aaron Jones did during his time in Green Bay, Jacobs is expected to be a key cog in both the running and passing games. In order to fulfill his mission, he must ensure that the Packers’ offense is balanced, with him at the center of it all.
### Comparing Jacobs and Jones: Similarities and Differences
While Jacobs and Jones share many traits—both are explosive playmakers with the ability to carry an offense—there are key differences that could make Jacobs a more favorable option in the Packers’ current offensive setup.
– **Running Style**: Aaron Jones was often seen as the finesse back who could break away with speed and agility, and his vision made him excellent at finding lanes. Jacobs, on the other hand, is a more bruising, physical runner who thrives in short-yardage situations and has a higher usage rate per game. Jacobs can be relied upon to grind out tough yards and dominate the clock, which is a valuable asset when managing leads late in games or in playoff situations.
– **Pass Protection**: Jacobs has proven to be an excellent pass blocker, which could be crucial with a new quarterback under center. His ability to pick up blitzes and provide protection for Love can go a long way in ensuring Green Bay’s offensive rhythm is not disrupted by defensive pressure.
– **Leadership and Maturity**: Jacobs comes to Green Bay with a chip on his shoulder after years of playing in relative obscurity with the Raiders. He has the maturity and veteran savvy to provide leadership to a team that is looking to transition from the Rodgers era. His experience and perspective as a player who has carried a franchise on his back will be invaluable as the Packers look to climb back into title contention.
### The Green Bay Opportunity: What’s at Stake for Jacobs?
For Jacobs, the opportunity with the Packers is a career-defining one. While Jones has been beloved in Green Bay for his time with the team, Jacobs sees this as his chance to not only solidify his legacy as a top-tier NFL back but to also prove that he can be the difference-maker that propels Green Bay to a Super Bowl victory. He knows that despite all his individual achievements, he’ll only be remembered for his success in the postseason. Just like Jones before him, Jacobs has the chance to prove that his contributions can lead to a title, and this time, it might just be his turn to finally get the job done.
In the end, Josh Jacobs has the skill set and mentality to accomplish what Aaron Jones never could: bring a Super Bowl to Green Bay. With a talented, young roster, Jacobs could be the missing piece the Packers need to take that final step. The pressure is on, but if Jacobs can deliver in big moments, Green Bay could very well be celebrating a championship in the near future.
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