Why Packers’ Josh Jacobs offers ‘unique’ challenge to 49ers’ defense – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

On By Littum

Nick Sorensen doesn’t take Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs lightly.

Speaking to the media Thursday ahead of the crucial matchup, San Francisco’s defensive coordinator explained how challenging it will be to stop Jacobs.

“The unique thing is that he trusts the system and he’s very physical,” Sorensen told reporters. “And you see the jump cuts, but he doesn’t just jump to go anywhere. I always feel that he is always going to the right place. If you see it, he goes one hole at a time.

“He has such tight cuts that he becomes vertical and he is very powerful. He has good contact balance and I have a lot of respect for the way he runs because it really fits their scheme.”

Jacobs can do damage as a runner and receiver, so he will be a tough opponent for a 49ers defense. Throw in dynamic quarterback Jordan Love, and Green Bay’s offense is capable of scoring in a myriad of ways

The Packers are looking to avenge last season’s crushing playoff loss and remain in contention for a postseason berth. The 49ers are clinging to playoff life, and a win over the resurgent Packers would do much to change the narrative surrounding the team after another deflating loss last week.

Things look bleak for San Francisco as the injuries continue to pile up, with quarterback Brock Purdy the latest to be bitten by the injury bug.

Still, there is hope the team can close out a game with a dominant outburst and buck the disappointing trend this year. The franchise has lost four games by one score this season, a far cry from previous eras where the team could be counted on to win in a close game.

Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur know each other well after training closely with the Houston Texans, Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons. So far, Shanahan has owned the rivalry, though LaFleur, with an injury-depleted roster and a struggling offense, seems to be getting over the hump.

Sorensen and the rest of the defense know they have to be better at stopping Jacobs before he can make some dynamic moves down the field if San Francisco wants to have a shot at victory on Sunday at Lambeau Field.

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