Throughout the first eight games of this season, the conversation surrounding Josh Jacobs was all about how much of a letdown this season has been after leading the NFL in rushing last season.
After those eight games, Jacobs hadn’t rushed more than 80 yards in any game. He had a total of 408 yards on 133 carries. His 3.1 yards per carry was easily the lowest of his career and it put him on pace for a career-low 867 rushing yards on the season.
Then Josh McDaniels was fired. And in the two games since, Jacobs appears to have gotten back on track and suddenly is once again in the mix for the NFL rushing lead.
#NFL Rushing Leaders #49ers Christian McCaffrey – 747#Titans Derrick Henry – 625#Raiders Josh Jacobs – 622#Jaguars Travis Etienne – 618#Colts Zack Moss – 617#Bills James Cook – 615#Eagles D'Andre Swift – 614#Falcons Bijan Robinson – 612#Dolphins Raheem Mostert – 605… pic.twitter.com/eXGvJUzyki
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) November 14, 2023
His rise was precipitated by games in which he ran for 98 yards and 116 yards, moving him from 18th in the league two weeks ago to third, just three yards behind Derrick Henry for second in the league.
Christian McCaffrey leads the league with 747 yards — 125 yards ahead of Jacobs — but there are still seven games left for Jacobs to gain some more ground. On the other hand, there’s only 25 yards that separated Jacobs from the next seven backs, so there’s plenty of time for them to gain ground as well.
