Packers: Top five performers vs. Vikings in Week 2 victory

5. Aaron Jones

For the first time in his NFL career, Aaron Jones went over 20 carries in a game. His response was 116 yards on those 23 carries and a touchdown. Those are solid numbers no matter who you are playing. But this was the Minnesota Vikings and Mike Zimmer, a team with a top-notch defense.

The Vikings are not used to giving up that type of yardage to a back.

To add icing on the cake, Jones finished tied for second on the team in receptions with four catches for 34 yards.

Jones also showed his improvement in pass protection as he stoned a blitzing Harrison Smith cold. At first glance, it looked like Smith might have a clean shot at Aaron Rodgers. But Jones stepped up met Smith in the hole and stopped him. Although the play didn’t amount to much, it showed how far along Jones has come along with some toughness to stand in on a safety running full speed.

One new wrinkle I liked and am hoping to see more of is Jones and Jamaal Williams in the backfield together. It gives the defense a hard read on who might get the carry and who might stay home in pass protection.

The offense still has a way to go. But the the team showed signs of what it can be when it is running smoothly. Coach LaFleur and Rodgers will have to show they can do something after the scripted plays run out.

As it stands, the team is 2-0 and you can’t ask for much more than that. They will get better. And with a favorable schedule, with four of the next five games at home, they won’t have to deal with hostile road environments while they figure it out.

Next up is a familiar foe, Vic Fangio. His team is different, but he has had Aaron Rodgers’ number. With Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, he has the talent to make life difficult. But for now, enjoy being 2-0 in the standings as well as the division.