Packers: 5 takeaways from the loss to Chiefs in Week 9

AJ Dillon is here to stay

The Boston College product has elevated his game in such a way over the past few weeks that you can hardly justify keeping him off the field. AJ Dillon managed to run for 46 yards on just eight carries, and came dangerously close to busting one off. With that, Dillon added four catches for an additional 44 yards receiving.

In all honesty, it’s downright indefensible to have only gotten him a dozen touches in a game where offense was tough to come by. I’d argue that nobody generates more offense of their own than Dillon because he simply refuses to be brought down – he’s essentially his own lead blocker.

Aaron Jones and Dillon are one of, if not, the best running back tandem in the NFL at this point. But with each passing week, it’s getting harder and harder to justify keeping Dillon off the field. A draft pick once mocked by so many “experts” is looking like another strong selection by GM Brian Gutekunst.

Continuing to work to find a balance between the two backs is going to be tough, but it’s what Matt LaFleur is paid to do.

Elgton Jenkins made himself a lot of money

It would appear that All-World left tackle David Bakhtiari is set to return to the Packers, possibly as soon as this week. This will help sure up an offensive line that’s been putting band-aides on bullet holes for weeks now.

In his absence, Elgton Jenkins has been nothing short of incredible. He’s proven to be a powerful run blocker and showed that he moves more than well enough to get the job done against some of the league’s best in pass protection – effectively eliminating them in some cases. He looked the part of a star offensive tackle.

Jenkins has already proven to be a Pro-Bowl caliber guard in the NFL, who can play center at a high level, and now add offensive tackle to the list. It’s honestly been astounding to watch his game progress, and to see the Packers find another star offensive lineman to build around long-term.

I was on record saying that I saw Elgton Jenkins’ future out at tackle before the season started, and his performance in Bakhtiari’s absence has only further solidified that feeling for me. Jenkins is just too valuable to play at guard long-term, he belongs out at a premium position where he can return the most value.

Regardless of where he plays now or in the future, Elgton Jenkins is going to become a very happy man come payday, because he won’t be getting paid like a guard, I can assure you that.