New backfield addition named Packers' biggest X-factor for this season

The Green Bay Packers are looking to ascend from good to great this year, and if that is going to happen, they are going to need contributions from players identified as difference-makers. X-factors, if you will.

When it comes to who will be the biggest X-factor for the Packers this season, it appears that a new face in Green Bay's backfield has been tabbed with that label: Josh Jacobs.

Jacobs was recently identified by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox as Green Bay'sbiggest X-factor heading into the 2024 season. While there can be an argument made that this distinction should go to quarterback Jordan Love, it seems like that would have been more fitting going into last season when he was still an unknown commodity rather than someone who is on their way to becoming a superstar in this league.

"The Packers' ability to improve offensively in 2024 will hinge heavily on which version of Jacobs they are inheriting and whether he can stay close to 100 percent," writes Knox.

Jacobs is coming in with a bit of unknown, with a down year in Vegas last season combined with some injuries that limited his effectiveness.

Packers need the best from Josh Jacobs to reach next level

It is honestly pretty hard to argue with the logic being used here. The Packers knew they needed a fresh face in their backfield that was younger and more versatile than the now-departed Aaron Jones. Bringing Jacobs into the mix should allow the offense to reach a level they were unable to with their prior backfield setup.

What all of this comes down to is expectations for this season, in addition to how a player's stock is perceived. Love and most of the returning faces on offense have a certain high level that they are expected to perform at.

Meanwhile, Jacobs is the new addition in Green Bay, and his stock is down based on how things played out in his final year in a Raiders uniform. That chance to redeem and reestablish himself as one of the best backs in the NFL makes him a slam-dunk pick for the Packers' biggest X-factor this season.

A high-performing Jacobs could be a positive difference-maker for the Packers, while one that is unable to get back to his previous form could hold this team back a bit. Hopefully, Jacobs plays like the former rather than the latter and can help propel this offense to the next level.

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