AJ Dillon took a major year two leap in 2021. He not only solidified himself as a weapon in the Packers offense, but he put the league on notice. Going into the 2022 season, he wants to do even more. How so? APB. Otherwise known as “all purpose back.” AJ Dillon wants to consistently contribute in more ways than just being a 250 pound battering ram.
AJ Dillon’s comments on his game:
“It’s definitely something I’m still trying to work on,” Dillon said earlier this month. “Coming in, I was always the big back, and still am to a lot of people, the big back, only good for third-and-short. I really want to be — and I see myself as — an ‘APB’, all-purpose back, no matter what the situation. Last year was a good start…I’m happy with the improvement, but obviously still working on it.”
For Dillon, becoming an all purpose back will mean improving his catching and pass blocking game. Two things that have become very important for the running back position over the last decade or so. Last season was no slouch year for Dillon. He led the team with 803 rushing yards and caught 34 of 37 receiving targets. Dillon finished with 1,116 total yards and seven total scores. He has already shown that he is capable of making an impact in both rushing and receiving. Going forward, if he is able to get even better he will become and 250 pound weapon on the offensive side of the ball. AJ Dillon went on to talk about what he was asked to do at Boston College:
“Also pass protection. At BC, I really wasn’t asked to do much in the passing game at all. So just really honing in on that, that’s why I talked so much about the mental piece of understanding defenses so it’s not, ‘Oh snap, he’s coming now!’ Dillon said. “It’s anticipating, if I see a coverage or see a safety move over, being able to anticipate those kind of things.”
“It’s a holistic approach. I’m trying to work on my game altogether,” Dillon said. “Pass protection, pass blocking, even running the ball. Not running straight up, if I ran behind my pads I could get an extra 2-3-5 yards, maybe even a touchdown. Just working on everything.”
Last season, AJ Dillon was played 476 snaps and had 221 total touches. Both numbers certainly could go up significantly in 2022.
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