Packers: Five standout performances from Week 2 win vs. Lions

5. Jamaal Williams

Stat line: 8 carries, 63 yards, 7.9 average, 2-pt conversion

Matt LaFleur’s shift in philosophy of leaning on the run more in his second year is really paying off. I’ve already touches on Jones’ big day. But those running lanes weren’t just open for Jones; Jamaal Williams also saw his fair share open space when he was in the game.

And just like Jones, Williams made the right read time after time and found the cut-back lanes when the designed gap was closed.

Williams’ development has been a key to the offense’s hot start. Last year, there was a noticeable drop-off in play when Jones was off the field. Williams was a little slower to adapt to the changes.

But with another offseason under his belt in LaFleur’s system, Williams put in the work to be ready and is keeping the Packers offense humming when Jones needs a breather.

LaFleur has stated multiple times that his offense needs more than one capable back, and right now, he has two with a third looking like he might be able to help down the road.

Jones isn’t the only Packers running back in the last year of his rookie deal. Williams, who was drafted a round ahead of Jones, is also due to hit free agency. If Williams continues to have games like Sunday, he is going to make the Packers’ decision a tough one.

Williams making the list is also a statement on how good the Packers line was, even though they were down two starters on the right side. The line finally gave up their first sack on the season but was near flawless for the most part.

The Packers are now 2-0 in the division with a tough Sunday night matchup against the New Orleans Saints coming up next week.

The offense has given the coach a solid foundation to build off of while the defense looked better this week than last and should keep improving. The coach has also showed a lot of aggression these first two weeks, going for it and succeeding on fourth down on the young season.

The team is off to a good start. Over 80 points in the first two weeks puts the exclamation point on that. Now, the Packers need to build off this foundation and continue their evolution as the season goes on.