Packers: Aaron Jones can be an X-factor in the playoffs
Aaron Jones can be an X-factor for the Packers in the playoffs.
Key to the success of the Green Bay Packers‘ No. 1-scoring offense was the connection between Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Both first-team All-Pros, Rodgers threw 48 touchdowns and Adams caught 18.
However, quietly, Aaron Jones set a new career-best in rushing yards with 1,104 while also scoring nine touchdowns. All despite the fact he missed two games and had fewer carries than a year ago.
For the third time in four seasons, Jones has averaged exactly 5.5 yards per carry. The only running backs with a better average this year are Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins.
Jones only had 201 carries in the regular season. That’s just over 14 attempts per game in the 14 he played. Compare that to Derrick Henry, who had 378 carries, or Dalvin Cook with 312.
Matt LaFleur has rotated the running backs, ensuring they remain as fresh as possible. Well, now is the time for Jones to shine.
Last season, Jones averaged just under 15 carries per game in the regular season but then had 21 in the divisional round victory over the Seattle Seahawks, scoring two touchdowns. He only had 12 rushing attempts in the NFC title game, but with the Packers falling behind early, they couldn’t commit to the ground game as they may otherwise have.
In the rare games Jones has been given a featured role this season, he’s delivered. In the Week 2 victory over the Detroit Lions, he rushed 18 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 9.33 yards per attempt. In Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers, he had 20 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown, which works out at 7.25 yards per attempt.
No matter who the Packers meet in next week’s divisional round, now is the time to give Jones the opportunity to shine. Give him the ball early and often.
A free agent in the spring, this could be Jones’ final stretch with the Packers. Before then, he can help this team win a championship.
LaFleur kept Jones fresh by limiting his carries in the regular season. Now is the time for the Aaron Jones Show to get underway.