Aaron Jones is averaging 9.1 yards per carry.
That’s 0.9 yards from a first down every time he gets the ball in the backfield. To put that in perspective, Aaron Rodgers is averaging 10.5 yards per catch. Jones is fourth in the league in rushing yards with 181 yards on the ground and 50% of Aaron’s carries are resulting in a 1st down. More importantly, his longest carry of the year is 36 yards. That 9.1 average isn’t deceptive, it’s not being thrown off by one or two breakaway runs. Take away his longest run of the year–36 yards–and his average is 7.6 yards per carry. Aaron Jones is running like a man on a mission–unstoppable.
Aaron vs. AJ
I have to admit, I didn’t see this coming. My guess was this would be the year of AJ “Quadzilla” Dillion. I was betting he’d secure the starting role with the Pack and be the guy. AJ Dillion has 8 more carries than Jones but is only averaging a respectable 4.4 yards per carry. As an offense, the Packers have the potential to showcase one of the most impressive run offensives the league has seen in some time. They are clicking on all cylinders. Jones forced 13 missed tackles against the Bears. Blocking has been outstanding. Sammy Watkins and Allen Lazard are two of the best-blocking receivers in the NFL. Randall Cobb is an overly capable blocker as well. If Jones can break a tackle or two, which he can, he’s going to get opportunities to have big games and monster rushes.
The good news is Matt Lafleur sees it. Going into this week’s matchup with the Bears he hinted they’d be running the ball more–and they did. Opposing defenses will gameplan heavy against the run. This is going to be a run offense and that’s good for Aaron Rodgers. He’s one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the NFL. The run will set up the passing offense and Rodgers will do his thing, but if Jones keeps this up it’ll be a fun season.
