The Green Bay Packers will be looking to help replace the production left behind by five-time Pro-Bowler Davante Adams and speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who are both now in the AFC West. They added veteran Sammy Watkins and rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs this offseason. They will help veterans Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard carry the receiving load, as well as tight end Robert Tonyan. It is important to remember that Green Bay has a couple of running backs who can be incredibly dynamic, especially when it comes to the receiving game. Their names are Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. Quuarterback Aaron Rodgers noted Tuesday that 50 targets for each of them is “very realistic” this season. “You’ve got to get your best 11 on the field,” the back-to-back MVP said.
Last season, both Jones and Dillon had a hand in the receiving game. Starting with Aaron Jones, the former UTEP star has recorded 45+ receptions and 350+ receiving yards in each of the last three seasons. He has also added in 11 receiving touchdowns over the last three seasons. He is the only other player, aside from Derrick Henry, to have over 4,000 scrimmage yards and 40 or more touchdowns in the last three seasons. A.J. Dillon last season, in his breakout season, caught 34 passes for 313 yards and 2 touchdowns. This means that the top two running backs in Green Bay caugh over 80 passes for over 700 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
If this dynamic duo can contribute similar numbers this season, this Packers offense should be sitting in a great place. Very balanced. Both players recorded over 1,100 scrimmage yards last season too. They are incredibly tough to cover and bring down. They can be that security blanked for Rodgers if he is under pressure. Also, the screen game is a favorite of Packers Head Coach and play-caller Matt LaFleur. Jones and Dillon will be put into a great position this year to be successful once again. These are two of the best running backs that Green Bay has had at their disposal in a long, long time. They are also arguably the best backfield duo in the game currently.
