Josh Jacobs, Xavier McKinney have bigger goals for Year 2 with Packers

Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney are sharpening details in Year 2 with the Packers, which could translate into stronger rushing production and more takeaways. Punters might lean toward Green Bay’s rushing props at Lambeau and consider McKinney interception props or a tighter spread in the Packers-Lions opener, given Jacobs’ emphasis on extra yards and McKinney’s ball-hawking leadership.

Jacobs, McKinney vow to turn big season into bigger team impact

For Josh Jacobs, the headline numbers from last season — 1,329 rushing yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns — weren’t the lasting takeaway. What sticks with him are the plays that “should have been” longer: the five-yard runs that should have been 15, the 10-yarders that should have been 20, the 20-yarders that should have gone all the way.

“I had some plays where I felt like I kinda gave up on the play because I thought the play was over, and it really wasn't,” Jacobs said. “Certain things like that push yourself to really think differently.”

Missed opportunities fuel offseason focus

Jacobs spent the offseason studying tape, not to relive big games but to pinpoint the small adjustments that turn long runs into touchdown plays. He singled out three games where he felt he left yardage on the field — yet he still produced three of his top rushing totals in those contests. That self-scrutiny is central to his message: incremental gains matter.

McKinney emphasizes leadership after All-Pro campaign

Xavier McKinney, who became the first Packers defensive back since Charles Woodson to earn All-Pro honors, also downplays individual glory. His eight interceptions and a streak of five consecutive games with a pick were notable, but McKinney has framed Year 2 around elevating teammates and setting standards.

“Something I'm trying to do even more than I did last year is just trying to help elevate everybody and set the standard,” McKinney said. “Make sure that everybody is going about this thing the right way.”

Leading by example despite injury setbacks

McKinney missed much of training camp with a calf issue but used the time to reinforce standards in meetings and on the practice field. He stressed consistency: no player is “above” the team’s expectations, himself included. For McKinney, leadership starts with doing the little things the right way every day.

Packers reintroduce leadership council as team eyes bigger goals

Coach Matt LaFleur reinstated a leadership council this season, asking each position group to elect a player. Running backs chose Jacobs; safeties picked McKinney. The move underscores a broader push to translate last year’s 11-win season into deeper postseason success.

“Only way we can really follow it up is by going farther than we did last year and being better than we were last year,” Jacobs said. “Winning the NFC North first off, that's where we struggled the most.”

From production to team growth

General management praised both players’ production but cautioned that stats don’t always tell the full story of growth. Staying healthy and expanding leadership beyond individual playmaking are priorities. For a Packers team that rarely enjoyed home playoff advantage, cultivating leaders who raise the collective standard is central to closing the gap.

What this means for Week 1 and beyond

The encore arrives at Lambeau Field against the Detroit Lions. Green Bay’s inability to win in-division games last season is a clear target for correction. With Jacobs sharpening his technique to squeeze extra yards and McKinney anchoring the secondary, the Packers are positioning themselves to be more consistent in division play and to convert regular-season success into postseason traction.

Betting angle and on-field implications

Jacobs’ focus on maximizing yardage suggests a potential uptick in rushing efficiency, which could make Packers rushing props attractive in early-season markets at home. McKinney’s knack for interceptions supports interest in takeaway-related props. Overall, bettors might give extra consideration to Green Bay covering narrow spreads at Lambeau and to player props tied to Jacobs’ rushing totals and McKinney’s turnovers.

The running back and safety made the Pro Bowl after signing with Green Bay in 2024, but they aren't satisfied.

Espn