The Green Bay Packers have had a long and storied history at the running back position with names such as the legendary Jim Taylor to modern-day successes such as Aaron Jones.
Now, ahead of the 2020 season, Green Bay looks to unleash their three-headed monster in the form of Jones, Jamaal Williams, and the second-round draft pick, A.J. Dillon.
Each running back brings their individual skill set to a Green Bay team looking to finally get past the NFC Championship and compete for a Super Bowl in 2020.
Anytime you can make Aaron Rodgers‘ life easier by running the ball first, then this season looks to be promising in that regard.
Head coach Matt LaFleur is no stranger to using a workhorse running back in his schemes ( i.e. Derrick Henry) ,and now, with three backs to deploy on the field, LaFleur should be foaming at the mouth.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at each running back and what we can expect from them when the season begins next month.
Aaron Jones
Without question, the running back who’s featured to get the majority of snaps and touches in 2020 will be Jones. And it’s easy to see why as Jones had the best season of his young career when he rushed for 1,084 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding another three through the air.
Jones was a difference-maker in 2019 as a threat both on the ground and through the air for Green Bay. His ability to cut on a dime and make defenders miss had him in early MVP talks throughout the season.
When called upon, Jones was up to the task to move the sticks or pound it into the end zone. While Davante Adams missed four games due to injury, it was often Jones who emerged as a top receiver for Rodgers.
Should the wide receiving core struggle again in 2020, Jones will be a capable option for catching balls from No. 12.
We are 1 month out from Packers-Vikings @ US Bank Stadium. Aaron Jones feasted the last time we invaded Viking territory 😎🍽
• 154 yards
• 2 touchdowns@Showtyme_33 | #GoPackGo— GBP Daily (@GBPdaily) August 13, 2020
Jamaal Williams
Since being drafted by Green Bay in 2017 in the fourth round, Williams has emerged as reliable running back — not to mention a locker room interview fan-favorite as well — who had a similar game to teammate Jones.
While he hasn’t put up the numbers quite like Jones, in 2019, Williams was the team’s leading receiver in terms of touchdowns (five) once Adams went down during the season.
Williams has definitely earned the trust of his coaches and Rodgers when he lines up on the field. His ability to catch out of the backfield truly makes him a dangerous 1-2 punch with Jones.
Being an open target for Rodgers has upped his game tremendously, but also being trusted within the red zone. That’s a dangerous trait to have on opposing defenses.
Another one!! Touchdown by Jamaal Williams on a spectacular catch!! That’s our RB!! @jswaggdaddy | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/2D4xcThc0X
— Cougs in the Pros 🤙🏼 (@BYUpros) October 28, 2019
A.J. Dillon
Dillon has gained plenty of talking interest this past week due to his … thickness. And with said thickness, Green Bay is hoping for an absolute beast to run over people once the season begins. General manager Brian Gutekunst recently compared him to former running back Eddie Lacy for size comparisons
AJ Dillon doesn’t do leg day. His legs do every day.
(📷: @RobDemovsky) pic.twitter.com/pxOFZnnJ6i
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) August 15, 2020
If Dillon turns out to have the playing prowess Lacy had his first few seasons with Green Bay, then by all means compare away. Dillon is built like a truck and when you throw in the harsh-winter conditions Lambeau Field will deploy once the weather turns, Dillon and his legs are going to make defenders think twice about tackling him.
Green Bay hasn’t had a history of using three different running backs, but with all three seemingly bringing an offensive threat, it’s a good problem to have. If Dillon, can mesh well with the offense and pick up on blocks, then this should be a fun season to watch at the running back position.
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