After dropping the ball (literally) in 2024, all eyes will be on the Green Bay Packers’ receiving corps, especially after they added Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.
Suppose the receivers can take that step forward, which we know should be possible, given that we saw most of this group perform at elite levels in 2023. That will help Jordan Love and the passing game, as well as the running game, arguably Green Bay’s core offensive strength last year.
New toy Josh Jacobs came in and was a consistent force to be reckoned with, rushing for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 342 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. Jacobs played in every game and earned Pro Bowl honors.
With Jacobs in front and Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks nicely filling out the room, the Packers had a solid, well-rounded ground attack.
Still, even then, the group left points on the board and has room for improvement.
So, what does Green Bay’s rushing attack need to get to the next level?
Jacobs had an incredible first season in Green Bay, but factors still limited his production. He had the sixth-most rushing yards in 2024 but led the league in rushing yards negated by penalties and tied for the most touchdowns nullified by penalties. Penalties alone took away 94 yards and three touchdowns for Green Bay’s leading back.
Two particularly noteworthy touchdowns were against the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay lost both games.
Penalties were a problem for the offense all season, but especially in the early weeks. The Packers had numerous unforced errors, especially in divisional games.
The penalties lessened by the back half of the season, and most of the starting line is back. Ideally, they build off those games and don’t regress, which benefits the entire offense.
Improved run blocking is another area where the offensive line can support the rushing attack. The line did a phenomenal job keeping Love afloat in pass protection, but left more to be desired on the run-blocking side.
Jacobs had a good season, but it was often despite the blocking. ESPN ranked Green Bay’s run-blocking success rate ninth-worst in the league, while PFF ranked them fifth-worst. That limited Jacobs’ rushing potential, but his tackle-breaking ability allowed him to remain one of the league’s top backs.
That should change this season thanks to new additions and philosophies.
The Packers signed guard Aaron Banks to a big deal in free agency. Banks is larger than the types of offensive linemen Green Bay usually targets. Still, he’s had proven success as a run blocker (his 68.9 run-blocking PFF grade is his highest score and good for 39th out of 138 qualifying guards).
The Packers also drafted Anthony Belton in the second round, another larger-than-normal lineman. While it’s difficult to imagine Belton starting this season, barring injuries, his selection shows a willingness to change their running game philosophy. Adding bigger linemen who can move bodies in the running game and incorporating more power into their scheme can help the rushing attack take off.
Swapping Josh Myers for Elgton Jenkins should also elevate the line, including the run blocking. If Jordan Morgan can crack the starting lineup and be a good run blocker, even better.
It’s no shot on the offensive line, which was a solid group. However, it’s an area the Packers can improve, and it appears they agree.
The receiving game is another component. Love had an excellent season despite playing through injury and his receivers dropping the ball. The Packers left a lot on the board in the passing game. However, we’ve seen Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed excel in this offense before, and they can likely address their drop issues. Those two players taking a step forward alone would help.
Throw in Williams and Golden, who could be a factor early, and there’s a good reason for optimism in the passing game. With those issues fixed, it’ll be easier to avoid stacked boxes as well as to incorporate the running backs into the passing attack more.
Still, among all the factors that can help the running backs perform better, it’s the players in their own room who can make the difference.
MarShawn Lloyd lost most of his rookie season to unfortunate injuries, but many analysts still believe Lloyd was the top running back in the 2024 draft class. Lloyd offers a different skill set than Jacobs, thanks to his shiftiness and elite speed, and he has massive potential as a receiver.
If Lloyd lives up to the hype, Brooks and Williams keep growing, and Jacobs can take another step forward, this group can be one of the league’s most dangerous rooms.
Even with the small things holding it back, PFF still ranked Green Bay as its seventh-best rushing group. “If the Packers get anything this season from 2024 third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd,” they wrote, “this is a unit that could boast elite top-end talent and depth.”
The Packers have the talent to be a top-five group and have made moves to address the few issues the team had last season. An upgraded offensive line, a more consistent passing game, and internal growth from the running backs could elevate Green Bay’s rushing attack to one of the league’s most frightening.
