Streaking Josh Jacobs Chasing NFL Legends

Josh Jacobs wears No. 8. He should wear No. 6.

Including last year’s playoff game against the Eagles, Jacobs has rushed for at least one touchdown in 11 consecutive games. Since 2000, only one player has a longer streak: Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson had a 12-game streak in 2004.

“I actually just found out today,” Jacobs said, adding that he found out during the offense’s third-down presentation. “I don’t really know too much about it. I really don’t know what I’ve got to do to get the record.”

It’s pretty simple. If Jacobs rushes for one touchdown against the powerhouse Cleveland Browns defense on Sunday, he’ll tie Tomlinson for the longest streak since the turn of the century. Dating to at least 1970, another Hall of Famer, John Riggins, owns the record with 15 consecutive games, a streak that started in the 1982 playoffs.

“Obviously, he’s a great,” Jacobs said of Tomlinson. “He’s one guy that I looked up to growing up playing this running back position. So, it’s definitely a great honor but, man, I don’t really too much dig into it or look into it. I’m more concerned with wins or losses, for real.”

Of course, Jacobs’ touchdowns play a big role in winning and losing. In 2023, with Jacobs in his final season with the Raiders, the Packers went 9-8, scored 22.5 points per game and finished 19th in the red zone. In 2024, with Jacobs in his debut season with the Packers, the team went 11-6, scored 27.1 points per game and finished 10th in the red zone.

What makes him such a threat near the goal line?

“I just think he has a knack,” longtime running backs coach Ben Sirmans said. “I know you hear people talk about these kind of things all the time, [but Jacobs has a] knack for finding the end zone. You combine that with how quick he is, along with his power, that makes it easier for him to get tacklers to bounce off him, finish with great strength. He’s got really good instincts and vision to find the hole.”

That was all evident on his touchdown run against Washington, with Jacobs plowing over second-team All-Pro linebacker Frankie Luvu near the goal line.