Packers surge up NFL power rankings after 'statement' Week 1 win 2 Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the second half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

NFL analyst sounds alarm for Josh Jacobs, Packers’ ground game

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 1:49 PM ET

The Packers have become one of the most explosive offenses across the NFL through the first two weeks, if not one of the more one-dimensional, as well.

Quarterback Jordan Love has been the definition of efficient, passing for 480 yards and four touchdowns, even if the ground game hasn’t gotten going. It could become tougher sledding against coordinator Jim Schwartz’s Browns defense in Week 3.

Packers could struggle to get Josh Jacobs going

After a bombastic first season in Green Bay, running back Josh Jacobs has gotten off to a sluggish start in 2024.

Through two weeks, head coach Matt LaFleur and company haven’t been able to get Jacobs into gear. The veteran running back has rushed for just 150 yards with two touchdowns while averaging only 3.6 yards per carry.

Over at PackersWire, Zach Kruse suggests it could be a slog for Jacobs, again on Sunday.

“The Packers have struggled to get Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs going through two weeks,” Kruse writes of Green Bay’s offense. “And Sunday’s visit to Cleveland means a matchup against one of the NFL’s dominant run defenses to start 2025. The Browns have allowed only 91 rushing yards and are giving up just 2.1 yards per carry, leading the NFL in both marks. Can the Packers finally get Jacobs on track? Or will the Packers need to throw early to loosen up the front and create some second-half run lanes? Matt LaFleur has remained committed to the run, but it might be a slog on the ground for the Packers in Cleveland. Jacobs will have to work for every yard.”

Green Bay’s offensive line has struggled to consistently win up front in the running game, but LaFleur and the Packers may need to make a concerted effort to get Jacobs going and stick with the running game to build some momentum on Sunday in hopes of finally striking a balance moving forward.

NFL analyst sounds alarm for Josh Jacobs, Packers' ground game 2 Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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