The Green Bay Packers showed off their muscle in their Thanksgiving Night victory over the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field. The Packers appeared to have a significant advantage over their warm-weather opponents, as they dominated the game throughout and won 30-17.
The Packers (9-3) appear to be on a run, having won three straight and seven of their previous eight games. They will have the opportunity to make a statement Thursday when they travel to Detroit to face the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (11-1). While the Lions are eager to advance to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history, they have suffered a rash of defensive ailments that could leave them susceptible.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur definitely believes in his team, and he appears to be utterly enamoured with power running back Josh Jacobs. The former Raider is proving that he is a workhorse who can handle physical play just like any other running back in the game.
Jacobs had 26 carries in Green Bay’s Week 12 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, and the Packers did not reduce his workload for the Dolphins. Jacobs had 19 carries for 43 yards — Miami’s defence focused on stopping the running game — and 4 receptions for 74 yards. His 49-yard reception in the fourth quarter highlighted his quickness and ability to alter direction.
LaFleur is very impressed with Jacobs’ ability to withstand hard collision. The coach was asked how many running backs in the NFL could handle 49 touches over a five-day period. “Probably only one,” LaFleur told Pro Football Talk.
The Packers have demonstrated variety on offence.
The Packers shown that they were a strong force last year when Jordan Love took over as the team’s quarterback after Aaron Rodgers left. The club played terrible football for much of the 2023 season, but rallied at the conclusion of the year to win a stunning road playoff game against the Cowboys. Green Bay almost did the same the next week against the 49ers.
The Packers have picked up where they left off last season. Love completed 21 of 28 throws for 274 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Through 12 games, Love has thrown for 2,518 yards and 20 touchdowns to 11 interceptions.
Jacobs has replaced former Packers running back Aaron Jones, who signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He has been a standout for the Packers, accumulating 987 yards on 221 runs and scoring 8 touchdowns. Jacobs may not be the gifted receiver that Jones is, but he has 27 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown.
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