Packers: Three changes they need to make quickly after loss to 49ers

1. Make Aaron Jones the focus of the offense

The Packers offense is better when Aaron Jones is on the field. That’s nothing new. It was the same story a year ago under Mike McCarthy. But as McCarthy did, LaFleur continues to split the snaps between the two running backs.

According to Pro Football Reference, Jones played 41 snaps compared to 39 for Jamaal Williams against the 49ers. Jones had just 13 carries in the game, and zero catches from one target.

Jones’ usage in the passing game is what helped the Packers offense thrive when Davante Adams was out. But since Adams’ return against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jones has only had one reception, and zero in each of the past two games.

The Packers offense hasn’t taken a step back because Adams is back, but instead because they haven’t featured Jones as they were earlier in the season. Jones has proven how effective he can be as a receiver. He caught seven passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs, and had seven receptions for 75 yards against the Dallas Cowboys.

Williams is a talented player, and I certainly understand that LaFleur wants to keep both running backs fresh. But until Jones is made the centerpiece of this offense, the Packers may not reach their full potential.