Packers: Top five players from NFC North-clinching win vs. Vikings
By Jesse Fry
2. Aaron Jones
No matter how much the fans clamored for Aaron Jones to get the ball, the Packers held back saving Jones’ heath for exact moments like this. On Monday night, by choice and in the end necessity, Matt LaFleur rode Jones all the way to a victory and the NFC North division crown.
When it was all said and done, Jones had 25 touches for 160 yards and two touchdowns, both rushing.
What is more telling of all the stats from Monday was Jones’ 6.7 yards per rush. Since Mike Zimmer took over in 2014, the Vikings have put together top-flight defenses that prided themselves on stopping the run and pressuring the offense in the “A” gap. They tried that in this game. But Jones did what he has done all season, showed patience, pressed the holes, and when it wasn’t there, made something out of nothing.
What had to be the biggest factor was the Packers’ near 2:1 ratio in time of possession. I don’t care who you are, that is going to take its toll and lead to 56-yard runs like the one Jones had in the fourth quarter.
For all Jones does, the Packers have to hope Jamaal Williams‘ shoulder injury isn’t serious and he’s able to come back sooner rather than later. He is a great complement for Jones and can help wear down a defense.
The football world snubbed Jones in Pro Bowl voting, and that’s fine, we’ll take Jones with a chip on his shoulder and on a mission to prove he belongs. The lights were not too bright for him, “55”. He belonged on the field and belongs in the Pro Bowl. His 19 total touchdowns that lead the NFL will agree with that sentiment.