How do the Packers stack up at each position against the 49ers?
Packers RBs: Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon
After signing Aaron Jones to a four-year, $48 million deal (per Spotrac) this offseason, the Packers cemented in a dynamic duo at running back that they hoped would add another element to the offense.
Jones and 2020 second-round pick AJ Dillon have not disappointed. Jones ran the ball 171 times for 799 yards, scoring four touchdowns. Dillon carried the ball 187 times for 803 yards, scoring five touchdowns.
Jones brings a “lightning” element to the backfield: a dangerous combination of speed and agility that keeps defenders guessing on where he might go next. Dillon brings the “thunder,” bowling over defenders and earning the nickname “Quadzilla.” All in all, the Packers’ backfield is the perfect storm, and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The pair also contributes to the passing game. Jones has 52 receptions for 391 yards and six touchdowns. His 52 receptions ranks second on the team. Dillon has 34 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns. The pair of Packers running backs are a dangerous threat for opposing teams, and one of the best duos in the league.
49ers RBs: Elijah Mitchell, Deebo Samuel
Sixth-round pick Elijah Mitchell has been a revelation for the Niners backfield. Despite only playing 11 games, he’s carried the ball 207 times for 963 yards and five touchdowns. In the wild-card round victory, Mitchell carried the ball 27 times for 96 yards and one touchdown. While an inefficient outing, Mitchell’s ability to be a bell-cow back for the Niners was essential to their win.
Late in the season, the 49ers discovered another threat to complement Mitchell out of the backfield. It came from a very unlikely source: All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel. He’s carried the ball 59 times for 365 yards (an impressive 6.2 yards per carry) and eight touchdowns.
Samuel has provided an explosiveness out of the backfield that few teams can match. In the wild-card round victory, Samuel was the Niners’ biggest rushing threat, carrying the ball 10 times for 72 yards and one touchdown. Mitchell by himself likely isn’t better than the Packers’ dynamic backfield duo. However, the explosiveness of Samuel gives the Niners the edge.
Edge: San Francisco