Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon came into the game against the Falcons with a golden opportunity. Aaron Jones missed the game due to a hamstring which meant that Dillon would be the featured back. He did not grab the opportunity. An overall rough day for the running back out of Boston College has led to many fans being upset. Dillon was defended by head coach Matt LaFleur after the game.
Green Bay Packers AJ Dillon Defended By Head Coach After The Game
LaFleur admitted that there were some runs where Dillon, “seemed to be stumbling a little bit,” but overall he thought Dillon did okay. “But there were some other runs where I thought he did a great job dropping his pads,” LaFleur added. I applaud LaFleur for defending his player. He has never been one to throw his players under the bus which I think is a good thing. However, while Dillon had a couple of nice runs he couldn’t make it happen when it mattered most. He is a big back and could not get a critical 3rd and 1 late in the fourth quarter that would have extended a drive. After a promising rookie season, we simply have not seen the improvement out of Dillon.
Come Back Aaron Jones!
This shows how good of a running back Jones is. You have to think that Jones can pick up a yard or two in those key situations. The Packers need him back in the lineup next week. It didn’t seem like the hamstring injury was a long-term thing and in all likelihood, keeping him out this week was a precaution. The Packers are also in a more evaluation year and they have to decide if they are going to extend AJ Dillon after this year. With a performance like this, it seems like GM Brian Gutekunst could be looking to draft a running back to replace Dillon.
The Green Bay Packers are 1-1 and tied for the division lead. While blowing a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter hurts, these types of losses are going to happen to a young team. The important thing now is to learn from it and move forward.
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