Packers get results after cutting Aaron Jones loose
Eleven, six, eleven, eleven. This is a game-by-game summary of Aaron Jones touches for the Green Bay Packers this season. Until this Sunday, during a 20-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field. After saying he was ready to "cut him loose", Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the statement through his playcalling, […]
Eleven, six, eleven, eleven. This is a game-by-game summary of Aaron Jones touches for the Green Bay Packers this season. Until this Sunday, during a 20-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field. After saying he was ready to "cut him loose", Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the statement through his playcalling, and Jones was a central piece of the offense to secure the team's third win of the 2023 season.
Aaron Jones finished the game with 20 carries for 73 yards, plus four receptions for 26 yards — 24 touches are, by far, a season-high. And it's not a coincidence that the Packers had their best offensive production since week 2.
"He's a dynamic player," Matt LaFleur highlighted after the game. "Usually, good things happen when the ball is in his hands."
Jones had a fumble, which has been a problem for him since last year. But he also showed his explosiveness, frequently producing more yards than expected considering the Packers struggles to run block. He also scored his first touchdown since week 1, in Chicago.
Getting into the end zone, Aaron Jones moved to seventh place in franchise history with 63 total touchdowns, surpassing legends Donald Driver and Paul Hornung.
With Aaron Jones more frequently utilized, AJ Dillon became a de facto change-of-pace running back, a role better suited for his skill set and level of player. With a lesser task, Dillon was more effective: 4.4 yards per carry, getting 40 yards in nine attempts. Emanuel Wilson entered in the final drive, getting 43 yards in just four carries.
Closer to 100%
Aaron Jones injured his hamstring in week 1, against the Bears. He came back against the Detroit Lions in week 4, but was clearly limited and suffered a setback before the game versus the Las Vegas Raiders. He played against the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, but his usage wasn’t close to what the team ideally hoped for and needed.
With Jones closer to 100%, the offense has another dimension. Next week, the challenge is tougher, against a strong Pittsburgh Steelers defense. But in terms of run stoppage, the Rams and Steelers have had similar results. The Rams are 21st in EPA/rush and 14th in rush success rate on defense, while the Steelers are 18th and 13th, respectively.
Leadership role
The Packers have the youngest team in football. Sometimes, it's difficult for the young players, especially on offense, to keep mentally strong with the natural ups and downs of a game. And with Aaron Jones on the field, that's an area where he can be even more impactful.
The running back will be 29 in December and has been in the NFL since 2017. With David Bakhtiari on the injured reserve and out for the season, Jones is by far the most experienced player on offense.
His positive impact was clear when rookie receiver Dontayvion Wicks fumbled. The young weapon was visibly disappointed, but Jones lifted Wicks' head and spirits to ensure the rookie's confidence remained high.
Aaron Jones is a special talent and has been the best offensive playmaker for the Packers since Davante Adams was traded to the Raiders last year. Now, he’s a big piece of the franchise, on and off the field, and the results when he has more opportunities are clear.
Cover 3: Quick takeaways after Packers win over the Rams
Green Bay finally won after a four-game losing streak
