Packers 2019 prediction: Aaron Jones will have double-digit touchdowns

Aaron Jones has a great opportunity to put up double-digit touchdowns in 2019.

It’s about time the Green Bay Packers had a dominant running game.

At its best in 2013 and 2014, Mike McCarthy’s offense had great balance between the run game and passing game. On many occasions, teams were forced to stack the box to try to stop the powerful ground game led by Eddie Lacy. In his rookie season, Lacy finished third in the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns. In 2014, Lacy had 13 total touchdowns (nine rushing, four receiving).

Aaron Jones can achieve similar success in 2019, and he can be the Packers’ first running back to put up double-digit touchdowns since Lacy five years ago.

Matt LaFleur’s offense is going to be more committed to the ground game than McCarthy’s. That much is clear.

And the Packers’ running backs could also become more involved in the receiving game.

Jones has the talent to make plays in the open field as a receiver. He improved as a pass catcher last season and had his first receiving touchdown in the NFL. Jones could be particularly effective on screen passes.

Not only is Jones an efficient runner (averaging 5.5 yards per carry in his career), but now with more touches as a receiver, he is going to be featured in LaFleur’s offense and will be key to the team’s success. When the ball is in Jones’ hands, there’s always a possibility he takes it all the way to the end zone.

If Jones is the number one running back and gets the majority of the offensive snaps, reaching double-digit touchdowns is entirely possible. And he might get 10 in rushing TDs alone; Jones had eight rushing touchdowns last season.

If Jones stays healthy, he could hit 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving in this offense. And if he does that, there’s also a good chance he’ll get more than 10 touchdowns.

With a commitment to the ground game and balance on offense, Jones’ third year with the Packers could be a breakout season.