Packers: Top three performers from NFC Championship loss
By Jesse Fry
2. Aaron Jones
The Packers’ struggles early in the game can not be contributed to Aaron Jones. Jones was the one thing the Packers had going for them in the early going. From his first carry on, Jones showed the same burst and vision he’s shown all season.
Many of the negative plays fall on shoddy blocking at times as well as great play by the 49ers front seven.
Jones finished the day with a respectable 56 yards on 12 carries for a 4.7 yards-per-carry average and a touchdown. Jones also chipped in with five receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown.
It had to be frustrating for Jones to follow just about every positive play with a negative one. The 49ers defense just seemed to be a step ahead of the Packers offensive line.
The highlight of Jones’ night might have been his touchdown reception. The Packers called a screen for Jones and while good blocking got the play started, his vision took him into the end zone for the score, the Packers’ first of the game.
Jones may have earned himself a nice paycheck in the near future. He is heading into the last year of his rookie deal and might see his pay increased sooner rather than later.
He is coming off a great year and finished strong in the playoffs. The Packers definitely have something to build off of heading into next year with Aaron Jones and the run game.