The Green Bay Packers have one of the best running back duos in the NFL. Aaron Jones took a $5 million pay cut in order to stay as the lead back, but 2020 second round pick AJ Dillon would arguably be a number one running back on many other teams. Indeed, Green Bay’s running back room is one of the offense’s biggest strengths.
That being said, Dillon was not satisfied with how he played last season. In 2021, but Jones and Dillon surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards for the season. Dillon fell 24 yards short of the mark in 2002. Additionally, he had seven dropped passes in the run game and saw his yards per carry drop to 4.1, the lowest mark of his career.
Earlier this week, Jones spoke with reporters about what he intends to do differently in 2023, and opposing defenders should consider themselves put on notice.
Green Bay Packers Running Back AJ Dillon Is Going to Play with More Passion in 2023
Dillon admitted earlier this offseason that he played last season with the intention of earning a second contract with the Packers. As a result, he was not always as focused as he should have been. That will change this season. He told reporters:
“I think I just really need to play just a little bit more — it’s hard to put a word on it — but like passionate,” Dillon said. “I think I need to go out there and just play a little bit more reckless, so not trying to play perfect, not trying to play perfect football. Nobody does. Just kind of go out there and for a lack of words, kind of make defenses feel me.
“Even though we might be running and there’s only 4 yards here to get, make it a hard 4 yards,” Dillon said. “Make sure the next time running the ball, those defenders feel that, they think about it next time, and just kind of deliver the blow a little bit more.”
A bruising, physical runner, Dillon intends to make defenders who try to tackle him think twice by being more physical himself. This will not only benefit Dillon, but Jones and the rest of the offense as well.
The last time the Packers had a bruising running back the opposing defenders were too afraid to tackle, Eddie Lacy helped the team to a NFC Championship game. While the Packers may not make it that far this season, Dillon sure can help them surpass national expectations by being a bully in the run game.
And he intends to.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
