The Green Bay Packers could lean more on the running game in Jordan Love’s first season as a starter. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon were predicted last offseason to see more reps in the receiving game. But one of the better running back duos in the league is ever reliable in the running game, accounting for 1,891 rushing yards in 2022. Dillon recently announced his plans to get better for this season.
Green Bay Packers fan and AJ Dillon exchange messages
Dillon responded to a Tweet by the handle @NotionsOfJacob, where the Packers fan praised the running back for his skills at the goal line but offered criticism of his inability to evade ankle tackles.
AJ Dillon seems like a great guy and it’s fun to watch him barrel over people at the goal line, but I’ve never seen a 245 lb RB get stopped by so many ankle-tackles.
— Jacob (@NotionsOfJacob) May 5, 2023
Dillon offered an extended and honest response to the Tweet. He claimed his response was not meant to be defensive or an attack on Jacob. Dillon wrote he was planning on working on knee-driving techniques this offseason to prepare for low tackles next season:
“You grow from year to year and learn how better yourself & your team. I’ve always set off-season goals and points of emphasis of things to focus on (along with my coaches). Looking back at last year, your point rings true. If people are going to tackle me low most of the time, I’ve got to work on coming out of those.
Knee drive and other techniques have been a huge focus for me this off-season and something I’m hoping on translating into this year on the field. I’m constantly growing and evolving as a player, one thing I can guarantee is as long as I play I won’t ever get complacent or satisfied with good enough.
There is always room for improvement and things to work on. With that being said, understand me just like everyone else in the NFL are working to enhance our skill set. As a fan of football myself, I’d take each season with a grain of salt and understand that the players you’re talking about watch the same film and tape x1000 more and are more than focused on taking their game to the next level. Nothing but love for all of Packers faithful. Just a reminder that everyone’s working to get better!”
You grow from year to year and learn how better yourself & your team. I’ve always set off-season goals and points of emphasis of things to focus on (along with my coaches). Looking back at last year, your point rings true. If people are going to tackle me low most of the time,… https://t.co/KthHvnfamA
— AJ Dillon (@ajdillon7) May 5, 2023
Dillon is working on getting better
The 25-year-old running back isn’t a perfect product. But he’s working to get better. Dillon’s stats were down last year from the 2021 season, but the Packers’ offense as a whole didn’t have a great year. It’s encouraging to see Dillon’s response to the fan.
Many players would have argued with the player. Instead, Dillon took the time to explain the ins and outs of his experience as a player and the journey it takes for a professional athlete to work on their craft. Now we’ll see if Dillon’s practice can pay off this season.
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