The former Alabama signings have led the way for the Packers this season, with Jacobs as the reliable engine of a varied offense and McKinney as the secondary weapon that kills opposing team scoring opportunities.

“We didn’t talk about both of us coming here. It just happened,” McKinney said. “When we got here, of course we talked and we were very happy to be in the same team again. I know what he’s made of. We’re cut from the same cloth, so it’s nice to be with a guy I know personally .”

McKinney, who signed a four-year, $67 million contract in Green Bay after four seasons with the New York Giants, was overthrown by 49ers backup quarterback Brandon Allen – starting in place of an injured Purdy (shoulder) – and raced to the Niners’ 26-yard line. The pick was the first of three forced turnovers by Green Bay in the second half, which they converted into 21 points, blowing the game open.

“That’s what I came here for,” McKinney said of his INT. “That’s why I was brought in, to be able to make big plays when we really need it, so credit to a great conversation with (defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley). Credit to everyone doing their job and that’s just going out there and that I can make a play.”

Jacobs has proven he can be a workhorse and seamlessly fill the production void left by the departure of Aaron Jones. Sunday marked the running back’s third game with at least three rushing TDs. He is the first Packers player to reach three scores since Jones in 2019. Jacobs has seven straight games with 90-plus scrimmage yards, the longest active streak in the NFL. , becoming the first Green Bay player to reach that mark in more than seven games since Eddie Lacy in 2014-15 (10 games).

Jacobs, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal in Green Bay after five years with the Raiders, is more concerned with the W than the superlatives.

“I haven’t won much in my career, and that was very important to me in making a decision,” Jacobs said. “Being around these guys and seeing how hungry they are, seeing how much pros they are every day and how much it means to them, man, it makes me want to play harder. It makes me want to play more. ” give it all I have.”

The win pushed Green Bay to 8-3 on the season, their best start in 11 games since 2021, when they took the No. 1 seed in the NFC at 13-4. However, after Detroit (10-1) and Minnesota (9-2) won on Sunday, the Packers remain in third place in the NFC North.

At 8-3, the 2024 Packers have the best record of any team and rank third or worse in their division entering Week 13 since the 1970 NFL merger.