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    Jordan Love can't wait to share the field with the new Packers big-time offensive weapon

    By Wendell Ferreira,

    2024-09-05

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1l1vQ8_0vM4toxK00

    It's been a long road since March, when the Green Bay Packers took a wild turn at running back. At that point, general manager Brian Gutekunst decided to sign Josh Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million contract , and release veteran and fan favorite Aaron Jones, who ended up going to the Minnesota Vikings.

    Age, durability, and a physical ability to carry a heavier workload were the main reasons why Green Bay made the move .

    Ahead of the regular season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil, the question is how the Packers offense will operate with a different style of runner. Jacobs is more powerful than Jones, but less quick.

    Throughout their careers, Jones has arguably had better situations and has been more efficient. Jacobs is the volume guy, with big total numbers and more touches than Jones even though he entered the league two years later.

    For quarterback Jordan Love, the transition will be smooth. Love is excited about what Jacobs brings to the table, on and off the field.

    "We're very ready. Josh has been working so hard since he's got here," Love said during a press conference in Brazil. "We know the kind of player he is, the career he's had so far. Just to be around and see what type of worker he is, what type of leader he is in the locker room. I'm very excited, I know he's gonna have a huge impact for the team this year. Excited to be able to hand him the ball and watch him go to work."

    Relevance

    The Packers idea when they signed Josh Jacobs was that he could be on the field more frequently than Jones ever has — especially considering Jones is 29 now. That helps the offense to establish the so-called 'illusion of complexity', because there won't be a different player for different situations.

    That reality has become even more prevalent over the last few weeks. Projected to be the immediate backup, AJ Dillon is out for the season with a neck injury. The other two running backs on the active roster, MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) and Emanuel Wilson (hip), are handling injuries to start the season.

    The Packers might be forced to elevate players from the practice squad, but it's mostly a depth concern. Jacobs will be on the field as much as possible, and if he produces like he did two years ago with the Las Vegas Raiders, when he surpassed the 2,000 scrimmage yards mark, Green Bay will add another element to what already is a varied offense.

    Related: Four observations from Packers practice in Brazil before the regular season opener

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