Packers: 3 things to get excited about for the 2019 season
By Jesse Fry
The run game
When coach Matt LaFleur was hired, he made a promise to put more of an emphasis on the run game. Aaron Rodgers is an all-world talent at quarterback, but Rodgers can not and should not have to do it all.
One of the biggest criticisms regarding former coach Mike McCarthy was him neglecting the run game too early and too often. I do not feel that will be a problem any more. LaFleur used the run game last year in Tennessee to set up the Titans run at the end of last season that fell just short of the playoffs. He is also of the Shanahan tree that believes in the outside zone to set up the pass and play-action.
LaFleur has two proven commodities (Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams) in the backfield and a third that may prove to be another late-round steal (Dexter Williams). Jones will be the lead back and has shown that he can be a home-run threat on the ground. Jamaal Williams, while at first glance seems to be a bad fit, will have a place in the offense as well. There is always room for a power back who can get the tough yards on third-and-short.
Dexter Williams is an intriguing prospect. He comes out of Norte Dame with some baggage but that all should be put behind him as he gets a fresh start in Green Bay. D. Williams is another explosive back who was uber productive despite his short season last year in South Bend. His talents also mesh well with the Packers scheme and by season’s end, he could play a large role for the Packers.
These three backs offer the Packers a deep and talented backfield to help ease the pressure off of Rodgers and give the team the best ground attack they’ve had since 2014.