Packers: PFF gives Aaron Jones the praise he deserves

Aaron Jone is often underrated by NFL analysts, but Pro Football Focus have changed that in their 2019 running back rankings.

Ask a Green Bay Packers fan something that frustrated them throughout the 2018 season, and an answer you’ll often hear is how Mike McCarthy used the running backs. And in particular, how he didn’t use Aaron Jones as often as he should.

And for good reason. There’s no doubting that Jamaal Williams is a talented player — he’s had a few very good games for the Packers, but equally he’s also underperformed on many occasions.

Jones, however, improves the offense almost every time he steps on the field. Tough to bring down, and with elite vision and patience in the backfield, Jones is one of the best RBs in the entire NFL. The opportunity just hasn’t been there for him.

Pro Football Focus has recognized this. The great team over at PFF have put together their top 10 running backs for the 2019 season, and at number seven is Jones.

Interestingly, they have Jones one position higher than Dallas Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is averaging 101.2 rushing yards per game since entering the league in 2016.

But as the PFF article notes, Jones has the talent. He now needs the opportunity:

"“He’s a machine when it comes to forcing missed tackles and picking up yards after contact; he just needs a primary role in the Packers’ offense to put his value on display.”"

And a primary role should be the expectation in Matt LaFleur’s offense, as Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com wrote earlier this month.

While there should be at least some concern over Jones’ injury history, he’s the most talented runner in Green Bay. LaFleur should have no doubts and ensure Jones is given the featured role that McCarthy avoided last season.

And he should be a perfect fit in LaFleur’s offense. No running back had more yards per carry than Jones in 2018, and his big-play potential will make him a consistent threat for the Packers under LaFleur.

Talent isn’t the issue. Jones has that. He now needs good luck with injuries, and opportunity.