It was one of the worst regular seasons of Aaron Jones’ career for much of 2023. Jones was injured, missing six games. On the season Jones only accumulated 656 rushing yards and had just two rushing touchdowns.
However, an injury to AJ Dillon forced the workload onto a now healthy Jones. Well, Jones has responded. The final three regular season games, Jones topped 100 yards rushing in all three, tying a franchise record. Jones ran for 127 yards vs. Carolina, 120 vs. Minnesota and 111 in the regular season finale against the Bears.
Packers’ Jones rolling at best time
The Packers’ running back saved his best for the NFL Playoff Wild Card game against the Cowboys. Jones outdid his regular season rushing touchdowns, scoring three touchdowns and once again going over the century mark with 118 rushing yards.
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Coming into the season, many thought Packers quarterback Jordan Love would lean heavily on Jones. Well, that turned out not to be necessary as the Packers’ young pass catchers stepped up. Jones had 656 rushing yards – and needed three 100-yard games to end the year to reach that total – and had 30 catches for 233 yards and another score. If you had told pundits these would be Jones’ 2023-’24 stats, I highly doubt many would guess the Packers were still playing football in late January.
Many people crave the Jordan Love replacing Aaron Rodgers and the young quarterback’s ability to seemingly remain poised and not flinch in the face of the biggest moments. The talk has been about the young receivers stepping up. But Aaron Jones complimenting the passing game has been immense for the Packers. Matt LaFleur has been mixing up the calls on play-action and the run game superbly.
And fans are rejoicing Jones finally getting the touches he should be getting. The return of Jones to seemingly his 25-year-old self is quite a boon for this team.
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Packers can shock world again with Jones at best
But the Packers now find themselves in the NFC Divisional Round. If Jones can continue to top 100 yards, the Packers should be in a position to shock the world yet again.
