Lions' porous run defense offers perfect opportunity for Packers to feature Aaron Jones
-- Amidst an "unacceptable" offensive performance on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers engineered a unit that was essentially well-balanced in terms of run vs. pass.
Rodgers threw the ball 40 times, but between himself and the three running backs, Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery, they carried the ball 32 times.
The splits between their three running backs weren't exactly far off in terms of the number of snaps played.
Jones ran the ball 29 times, Williams 28 and Montgomery 20. That may be to the chagrin of a lot of people considering Jones is very obviously the Packers' most explosive tailback. But if it was so obvious, why hasn't he been featured more?
Jones did have 12 total touches for 82 yards -- along with a touchdown on the ground -- but it certainly wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility that coach Mike McCarthy is taking advantage of the numbers in the Packers' backfield while he has them.
All three of their current runners dealt with injuries last year at some point, so it wouldn't necessarily be out of the question to keep some legs fresh while others see the field.
There's also the factor of pass protection, an area in which Williams has excelled in over his first two seasons in the league. With Rodgers sporting a bulky brace on his left knee, that aspect of his game could be more important than ever.
That isn't to say Jones and Montgomery aren't capable, because both have shown flashes of holding up in pass protection, but Williams is far and away the most consistent of the bunch.
One less likely observation is that Jones is returning from a two-game suspension after missing a chunk of training camp and exhibition play due to a hamstring injury. McCarthy, rightfully, probably doesn't want to take any unnecessary risks with Jones which also may very well be a sign that he recognizes what he has in the No. 182 overall pick from last year.
It's telling that Jones led the Packers' running backs in snaps against the Bills, even if by a single rep. This came after Rodgers compared Jones to one of his former teammates in Ryan Grant, who was the workhorse in the Packers' backfield for a majority of Rodgers' early years as the team's starting quarterback.
"You kind of forget, when he's out, the kind of dynamic abilities he can bring to a game with his running style," Rodgers said last week.
"He's a different type of runner than we've had here in a while. ... He's probably a little more elusive in the open field than Ryan was, and maybe slightly greater top-end speed. But you've got to find ways to get him the ball."
This week's upcoming game against the Detroit Lions would be the perfect time to feature Jones extensively. The Lions are ranked 32nd in total rush yards allowed, 31st in yards per attempt and 32nd in rush yards allowed per game.
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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (55)
Royalty Free GM
October 02, 2018 at 03:03 pm
Aaron to Aaron, but THROW the ball more often to #33. Find the ways to use him more creatively.
Kyle Becker
October 02, 2018 at 03:39 pm
MM is too stubborn to make a change in his gameplan to fit his personnel. Still giving the three running backs a virtually even share of snaps when Jones is far outproducing them when he gets opportunities. This week is a glaringly obvious one to use Jones as a true lead back, but I won't hold my breath..
TXCHEESE
October 02, 2018 at 03:48 pm
Nope, I wouldn't if I were you either. If the Packers have early success on the ground, then they need to pound them with all 3 backs to keep them on their heels. As good a Jones is, keeping the three fresh will wear down the Lions' defense more effectively than letting them get a feel for one back's style.
This might be a good game to take the air out of the ball somewhat, especially if King and Alexander aren't available for the Pack.
Demon
October 02, 2018 at 04:46 pm
I think a more likely scenario would be if early success on the ground, throw the ball 35 times in the 2nd half. Then mumble something in his post game press conference about pad level.
flackcatcher
October 02, 2018 at 06:07 pm
heh heh heh.......SNORT! ....pad level........heh heh heh.........
Demon
October 02, 2018 at 04:24 pm
Is it being stubborn or just plain lazy?
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 01:54 am
And you are too stupid to understand the length of the league and danger of wearing off the overused player...
So, I'll pick Mike McCarthy stubbornness...
PAPackerbacker
October 02, 2018 at 04:02 pm
Oh no worries. MM will give Jones about 10 carries late in the game when it is clear Jones should be getting at least twice that, if not more. I just don't understand why MM does not use the talent he has at RB to take some pressure off Rodgers and the passing game. And when Jones does get 7 or 8 yards on a first down carry, MM will go to the pass for the next 2 downs to try and get another first down. I agree with Aaron Rodgers. It is a coaching issue and play calling. The offensive game management in the Bills game was just that, offensive.
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 03:53 am
50% of fans complain we have anemic stale offense. 50% want more running. 50% want more deep passes. 50% want more quick releases/slants. etc. Despite the math, I'm happy that there is clear consensus :) Pass or run, if the play doesn't succeed, it fails. If it fails, its stale, boring, slow, anemic, etc.
If the Oline isn't making running lanes and protecting the QB to make deep passes, then any run or pass play called will be stale, slow, anemic and 3 and out.
So, I am confident you all accept my astute assessment that Oline problems are the core of the Oline problems so far this season, and severely influences what MM and AR call. MM has options to deal with the Oline's underperformance, however, so he needs to do better to accommodate what the OLine is.
Thanks in advance for your applause.
Lare
October 02, 2018 at 04:13 pm
"The Lions are ranked 32nd in total rush yards allowed, 31st in yards per attempt and 32nd in rush yards allowed per game."
Considering the stats, it would be foolish not to establish the run against the Lions. It can help cover up any OL health issues as well as taking the pressure off their injured QB.
Now if they're smart enough to do it, that's another story.
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 01:56 am
No, they are stupid and waiting you to tell them what to do. That is how Mike McCarthy get his winning record (2nd, behind Belichick only!)!
Bravo!
SteveGleicher
October 02, 2018 at 04:17 pm
The article needs a correction. In the fourth paragraph it talked about how many times each running back ran the ball. I believe it is the snap account that each back was on the field for
TKWorldWide
October 02, 2018 at 04:58 pm
I thought that too.
SJ EC
October 02, 2018 at 04:21 pm
While stats can be helpful, I’d be leery of them this early in the season. That being said, a healthy dose of pounding the rock will certainly be a good idea in this game, especially if we can get some rhythm going early.
TKWorldWide
October 02, 2018 at 04:59 pm
What does “get some rhythm going early” mean?
Lare
October 02, 2018 at 06:15 pm
That would be a question for George Gershwin.
SJ EC
October 02, 2018 at 07:25 pm
In my mind it means getting a decent run game set up in such a way that way we can catch them “out of rhythm” with the pass game... you’d know it if you saw it, but that’s been lacking in GB for a few years, so I can’t blame ya!
porupack
October 03, 2018 at 04:03 am
More synchronized movements in the plays like Pirouettes for the big uglies in the oline, skipping WRs. That sort of thing.
PatrickGB
October 02, 2018 at 05:21 pm
If, as you say, the Lions are vulnerable against the run, then why not let Williams and Monty get lots of snaps and save the wear and tear on Jones? If they are really that bad, then it doesn’t matter who carries the ball. Right?
For me, I want to see the offense get into a happy rhythm (4/4 time A# Major), Protect Rodgers, sort out the passing game, get the rookies some game experience and emerge victorious.
jeremyjjbrown
October 02, 2018 at 05:58 pm
"Lions' porous run defense offers perfect opportunity for Packers to feature Aaron Jones"
I swear when I first read this my silly mind saw, "Lions' porous run defense offers perfect opportunity for Packers to ignore Aaron Jones"
Grandfathered
October 02, 2018 at 07:52 pm
I think LeRoy Butler is right - A. Jones is being used correctly. Don't want to see him getting 18 carries yet. Need to have him gradually gain touches to be available in the second half of the season,
PAPackerbacker
October 02, 2018 at 09:52 pm
And while that is happening Rodgers is at risk more and more because the Packers are in 3rd and long passing situations. That doesn't make any sense. Save one good player and risk another great player. You need to win games in the first half of the season as well as the second half of the season. That kind of game management is why the Packers are struggling now. I don't see Kiser playing more to save Rodgers for the second half of the season. Or the rookie receivers playing more to save the starting receivers for the second half of the season.
croatpackfan
October 03, 2018 at 02:00 am
I like when people takes what LeRoy Butler said about Ha-Ha as fact and word of God, but when he said something that not in compliance with their opinion they just ignore his words/thinking/attitude!
Oh, how many sofa HC and position coaches are here. People run for HC jobs. There is 32 opportunity for you to show us how good coaches and clever guys you are!
Hilarious!
Charvid
October 03, 2018 at 03:55 pm
What is Montgomery's Average Yard per Carry? On average, he should effectively keep them out of 3rd and long against the Lion D. Not every series...but more often than not.
Ryan3468
October 03, 2018 at 12:14 am
That Bills game could have been won with defense, running the ball, and having Kizer manage the game.
camikem
October 03, 2018 at 02:17 am
I like this sport, it is interesting.
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Oppy
October 04, 2018 at 05:23 pm
I knew you'd come through for me.
ILPackerBacker
October 03, 2018 at 12:38 pm
You need to edit. How many snaps did Jones have and of those snaps how many were runs by him? You have two numbers for that. Easy to confuse but easier to fix.
ILPackerBacker
October 03, 2018 at 12:42 pm
You may also want to think about Rodgers running are pass plays or run plays when you characterize your facts
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:03 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Oppy
October 04, 2018 at 05:24 pm
I'm sorry, I didn't quite get that. Could you repeat yourself?
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:03 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.
Cartwright
October 04, 2018 at 05:04 pm
Ty put the ball on the ground last game on a running play, I think that's 2 now, that should put him in the doghouse and lessen his touches now maybe he's third on the depth chart, poor Devante Mays never saw the field again after he fumbled his first two.