One of the most striking and powerful components of the Green Bay Packers’ offense this season has been their running game. With 2,209 rushing yards so far, the Packers rank fourth in the league, and they’re not far behind in touchdowns, sitting fifth with 19. This potent rushing attack has become a cornerstone of the offense, helping to establish the Packers as a well-balanced team capable of keeping defenses on their toes. And while many aspects of the team’s success have been impressive, it’s the running back position—particularly the standout play of Josh Jacobs—that has grabbed the most attention.

Despite the Minnesota Vikings’ solid defensive performance throughout the season, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has made it clear that stopping Jacobs will be a focal point in their game plan. Flores acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, especially with a player like Jacobs, whose running style has been nothing short of explosive.

“I think we’ve done a good job of tackling,” Flores said, speaking to his defense’s strengths. “But Josh Jacobs makes me feel like we need to talk about tackling.” It’s clear that the Vikings’ defense, while ranked third in the NFL with a 68.6 PFF tackling grade in 2024, faces a unique challenge when it comes to stopping a player like Jacobs, who has consistently proven to be difficult to bring down.

The Vikings have been solid in their efforts to contain running backs, ranking second in expected points added (EPA) and third in rushing success rate. However, Jacobs brings a level of physicality and determination that can flip the script, making every tackle a battle. Jacobs ranks eighth in the league for yards after contact per attempt, with an impressive 3.42 yards per attempt among running backs with at least 100 carries this season. And what’s even more remarkable is that Jacobs has achieved this mark despite carrying the ball more times than anyone else in the top 10, showcasing his endurance and ability to grind out tough yards after contact.

In terms of raw numbers, the Vikings’ defense has the statistical advantage over the Packers’ offense in several categories. Minnesota has been dominant in key defensive metrics, particularly in stopping the run. However, the Packers’ offense has managed to maintain its potency, ranking seventh in EPA and 13th in rushing success rate, keeping them within striking distance of the league’s elite teams.

The first matchup between these two teams in Week 4 was a telling one for Green Bay. The Packers found themselves in a difficult spot early in the game, trailing by a large margin. With the game out of hand by the second half, head coach Matt LaFleur was forced to abandon the running game in favor of a pass-heavy attack. Despite the limited attempts, Jacobs was effective, rushing for 51 yards on just nine carries—a solid 5.7 yards per attempt. Meanwhile, fellow running back Emanuel Wilson contributed eight carries for 27 yards (3.4 per attempt), which underscored Jacobs’ ability to create big plays even when the offensive line and playcalling didn’t give him ideal opportunities.

Now, as the Packers look to take on the Vikings again, their rushing game will be even more critical. The volume and effectiveness of Jacobs are vital to the success of Green Bay’s offense. His ability to break tackles and extend plays, coupled with his ability to change the momentum of a game with just one run, will be a key factor in how the Packers approach this game. If the Packers can re-establish their running game, it will force the Vikings’ defense to adjust, opening up opportunities for the passing game to flourish.

For Brian Flores and the Vikings, the task of stopping Josh Jacobs won’t be easy, but it’s essential to the success of their defensive game plan. If they can limit Jacobs’ impact and force the Packers into passing situations, they’ll have a better chance of containing the Green Bay offense and putting pressure on quarterback Jordan Love. Conversely, if Jacobs can break free and take control of the ground game, it could allow the Packers to dictate the pace of the game and potentially walk away with a crucial win.

As the Packers and Vikings prepare for their next showdown, all eyes will be on Josh Jacobs. His ability to dominate on the ground will be a determining factor in whether the Packers can extend their success and keep their playoff hopes alive. For the Vikings, stopping Jacobs might just be the key to neutralizing the Packers’ offensive attack.