Packers: Aaron Jones proves his worth despite limited touches against Bears

Despite being a franchise cornerstone, Aaron Jones always seems to have to prove himself on Sundays.

This was evident once again during the Green Bay Packers' 38-20 Week 1 victory over the Bears.

Jones started the game hot, rushing five times for 24 yards during a drive that culminated in a Romeo Doubs touchdown. Yet, after this, he didn't touch the ball for the remainder of the first half.

His absence stagnated Adam Stenavich's offense, as the Packers headed into the locker room with a narrow 10-6 lead.

While Jones was away from the action, A.J. Dillon was tasked with making plays as a pass catcher, which simply didn't work. Additionally, Dillon also struggled as a power runner, making it crystal clear how important Jones was to the team's offensive attack.

Coming out of the break, Matt LaFleur handed the keys back to Jones, immediately changing the game's complexion.

With Jordan Love now looking his way in the passing department, No. 33 was able to move his squad up the field on a very effective drive that culminated with his first touchdown on the day.

Later in the third, Jones turned a fourth-down scenario into a 35-yard sprint into the end zone, further elevating Green Bay on the scoreboard.

Aaron Jones leads the way for Packers before injury

Unfortunately, Jones exited the contest after this due to an apparent injury. But the damage had been done. His electricity placed the Packers ahead 24-6, and gave the green and gold a renewed sense of momentum.

Love and his receivers were able to harness this momentum themselves, keeping their foot on the gas en route to the 18-point win.

This performance was the latest in a long line of games where Jones proved a major difference-maker, however it was also another instance where his final numbers could've been greater had things broken differently.

Early in his career, it took him a while to completely earn Mike McCarthy's trust as a full-time starter despite his impressive play. This spawned the #FreeAaronJones movement, with fans and media members alike pleading for the Packers to unleash their talented runner.

When LaFleur arrived in 2019, Jones became a focal point. Morphing into a touchdown machine, he found the end zone a league-leading 19 times that year. Ever since, Jones has continued to stand out, becoming a leader on and off the field.

Despite this, the game plan doesn't always lean toward the running back.

LaFleur's offensive approach can at times neglect Jones in jarring fashion, a reality that was especially notable a season ago.

The 2022 season saw Jones accumulate just two total rushing touchdowns and 65.9 rushing yards per game. And though his overall stats (1,516 scrimmage yards) were as good as ever, there were weeks where the Packers' usage of him cost them wins.

With Nathaniel Hackett replaced by Stenavich, Jones and Dillon saw their consistency decline and their roles to become more jumbled.

So when the team once again went away from the UTEP product on Sunday against Chicago, there was a sense of deja vu. Would Green Bay really not commit to Jones, even with Christian Watson sidelined?

Luckily, the longtime Packer was able to maximize the opportunities he was given before the injury ended his day.

Presuming his ailment isn't severe, Jones should be the spearhead of the 2023 Green Bay offense going forward.

His blend of speed and power, both as a runner and pass catcher, makes him the perfect weapon for Love and LaFleur to maximize throughout the 2023 season.

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