Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs said last week he tries to set the tone for his teammates early in the game, and that’s what the former Alabama ball-carrier did in the Packers’ 34-0 victory over the New Orleans on Monday night, particularly when he shoved Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu out of the way on a run down the sideline.

On Green Bay’s opening possession, Jacobs picked up 40 yards on five rushing attempts and one reception as the Packers went 63 yards in 10 plays for a touchdown.

On Green Bay’s second possession, Jacobs gained 45 yards on five rushing attempts and two receptions as the Packers went 96 yards in 17 plays for another touchdown. Jacobs ended that drive with a 2-yard run for his 13th rushing touchdown of the season. That set a career high after he’d also run for 12 touchdowns in 2020 and 2022.

Jacobs’ game totals ended up being modest, though – 69 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries and 38 yards on four receptions. After carrying the football on three of Green Bay’s first four second-half snaps, Jacobs came off the field with a grimace on his face after a 2-yard gain on a second-and-1 snap, and the Packers kept him off the field for the rest of the rout.

“He wanted to go back in,” Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur said, “but there was no need for it. I actually told him at halftime, I was like, ‘Hey, we’ll give you another series in the second half, but I want to get you out’ – it being a short week – and get him ready to roll against Minnesota.”

Green Bay posted the first shutout of the NFL season against the undermanned Saints, who played without quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara, among other injured starters.

The loss was the most lopsided for New Orleans since a 52-3 loss to the Packers on Oct. 9, 2005.

The victory secured a spot in the NFC playoff field for Green Bay.

In addition to Jacobs, five other players from Alabama high schools and colleges got on the field in the New Orleans-Green Bay game:

Xavier McKinney (Alabama) started at safety for the Packers. McKinney made two tackles and broke up one pass.

Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry (Pinson Valley, Alabama) started at right cornerback for the Saints. McKinstry made three tackles.

Packers offensive tackle Kadeem Telfort (UAB) did not record any stats.

Packers quarterback Malik Willis (Auburn) completed 1-of-2 passes for 34 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions and had three carries that netted minus-2 yards. Willis relieved Jordan Love and directed a seven-play, 48-yard touchdown drive, then kneeled out the victory.

Packers defensive lineman Colby Wooden (Auburn) made one tackle and broke up one pass.

Green Bay (11-4) plays the Minnesota Vikings at noon CST Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

New Orleans (5-10) plays the Las Vegas Raiders at noon Sunday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.