The Green Bay Packers are 2-1 after a thrilling 18-17 come-from-behind victory in their home opener against the New Orleans Saints. Through the first three quarters of the game, every facet of the Packers’ team was struggling. Special teams allowed a punt return touchdown, the offense couldn’t run the ball while the wide receivers dropped numerous passes, and the defense drew its usual ire from fans on social media (when in actuality, they only allowed 10 points).
One of the biggest frustrations on the team over the past two games has been their inability to run the ball. After Aaron Jones suffered a hamstring injury in Green Bay’s Week One win over the Chicago Bears, that facet of the offense has been glaringly bad. In the absence of Jones, the task of the Packers’ primary ball carrier has fallen to AJ Dillon, who has not lived up to expectations.
During their media availability today, both head coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich addressed what their plan is in regards to Dillon’s usage going forward.
The Green Bay Packers Are Going to Keep Feeding AJ Dillon the Ball
Many fans may have noticed that running back Patrick Taylor, who was promoted from the practice squad prior to the game, was the one who played a lot of the snaps in the fourth quarter. He also had a couple big-time receptions that put the Packers in a position to win the game.
As Matt LaFleur said today, though, no one should read too much into that decision:
LaFleur on why they went with Patrick Taylor over AJ Dillon late yesterday: “I think a lot of that was a byproduct of we were more in a 2-minute type mode. I wouldn’t look too far into that. Personally, I’d have a lot of confidence if he was the guy in there.”
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 25, 2023
It sounds like LaFleur was in “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mode at the end of the game. The offense was clicking with Taylor so he left him in.
This is tremendous growth from the head coach who has frequently substituted running backs in and out in questionable situations. One can tell it was a hard decision for him from the “I’d have a lot more confidence if he was the guy in there” comment.
As for the team sticking with Dillon going forward, LaFleur seems confident that he will be able to break out of his current funk:
Matt LaFleur says AJ Dillon staying on the sideline when #Packers were at their 2-yard line yesterday was byproduct of being in hurry-up, 2-minute drill. He still has confidence in Dillon’s running, especially in short yardage: “We’ve seen him do it before.”
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 25, 2023
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich echoed these comments:
#Packers OC Adam Stenavich is not panicking over AJ Dillon’s 2.7 yards per carry through three games: “I know AJ is a good running back, and I know what we have. So I’m going to be confident and keeping leaning on those guys. I know he’ll come through.”
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 25, 2023
Jones’ injury status is up in the air this week because Green Bay has to turn around and play the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. Even if he does play, though, it is reasonable to assume that he will be on a pitch-count.
Which means Dillon will keep getting the ball.
Something to Consider Regarding AJ Dillon’s Production for the Green Bay Packers
Listen. AJ Dillon is far from blameless when it comes to his poor production so far this season (39 carries for 107 yards, 2.7 yards per carry). However, when rushing to criticism, it is important to acknowledge that the Green Bay offensive line is not good at run blocking. Pass blocking? It’s their bread and butter. But run blocking is a huge struggle.
And it is a struggle when everyone is healthy! Consider this: the only game in which Dillon ran behind a completely healthy offensive line was Week One. Interestingly, it was his worst game (13 carries for 19 yards). In Week Two, the offensive line was missing David Bakhtiari and lost Elgton Jenkins mid-game. Last week, Bakhtiari and Jenkins were out and Zach Tom got hurt.
That is three starting offensive linemen that have gone down. Given the kind of runner Dillon is, the one who is supposed to go between the tackles, it makes sense that his numbers are down as offensive lineman go down around him. But the thing is, his numbers have gone up since Week One.
Take away his Week One numbers and Dillon is averaging 3.3 yards per carry, which isn’t great but is a lot better than 2.7. Also, here is a list of NFL running backs current averaging less than 3.3 yards per carry:
- Dalvin Cook
- Derrick Henry
- Josh Jacobs
- Jamaal Williams
- Rachaad White
- Rhamondre Stevenson
There are others, but those are the biggest names.
Again, 3.3 yards per carry isn’t what Dillon or the Packers should expect from him. They should expect more. The point is that, while fans and analysts may disregard it, he is getting better. Slowly, but better.
The team will keep feeding him, and [hopefully] soon he will reward their faith in him.
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