Packers Stock Report: Aaron Jones Shines
By ChrisWanless
The post-Aaron Rodgers portion of the 2017 season officially got underway on Sunday, but we’re not much closer to knowing the extent of what Brett Hundley brings to the table than we were a week ago. Despite overflowing confidence surrounding the third-year quarterback throughout the week, the Packers opted to play it safe for the most part in Sunday’s loss to the Saints, leaning on the running game and never really allowing Hundley a chance to make a significant mark on the game. Defensively, the Packers couldn’t have asked for a better start, picking off Drew Brees twice in the first quarter. Unfortunately, they were never able to turn those takeaways into points, and the defense eventually succumbed to the Saints’ potent offensive attack.
Even with the loss, there was plenty to like in this week’s game. Here’s a look at how the Packers are trending heading into their bye week:
Rising
Aaron Jones: Remember when everyone was wondering whether the Packers could sustain a running attack with Ty Montgomery atop the depth chart? Thanks to Jones, those days are long gone. The rookie impressed yet again on Sunday, rushing for 131 yards on 17 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown for the Packers’ first score of the day. Through Sunday’s action, Jones is the fourth-highest rated running back in the league according to Pro Football Focus. On top of that, he ranks second in the league in pass blocking among running backs. That, along with his receiving ability, make him a three-down option for the Packers. Of course, the team won’t abandon Montgomery, but Jones seems to have a nose for daylight unseen in Green Bay for some time. Now, it will be interesting to see how teams game plan for him now that he’s put a couple impressive performances on tape.
Davon House: With his interception in the first quarter, House reminded everyone of why people were excited when he re-signed with the team during the offseason. His flawless technique on the play is something he’s capable of displaying every time a ball comes his way, and hopefully it turns out to be more than just a flash. House added two passes defenses and six tackles on the day.
Kenny Clark: The former first-round pick continues to establish himself as a young star among interior defensive linemen. Clark tallied five tackles on the day, but his impressive effort level is what stood out most against the Saints. In the second half, Clark showed off his athleticism when he ran down the speedy Alvin Kamara to prevent a first down. In addition, he muscled through the line to block an extra point after the Saints’ second touchdown of the day, at the time keeping the Packers in the lead.
Falling
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix: Once again, the defense seemed in disarray without Morgan Burnett on the field to act as quarterback. Clinton-Dix, once revered for his no-nonsense, hard-nosed style, seemed to pull up early on multiple opportunities to separate receivers from the football. Maybe he’s dealing with some kind of injury he doesn’t want to aggravate, maybe the league’s policy on defenseless receivers has made him skittish, or maybe it’s something completely unrelated. Regardless, something has affected his play. One thing is for sure—he hasn’t been the breakout star many predicted he would be to this point.
Mike McCarthy: Let me get this out of the way—I don’t think Mike McCarthy should be fired. I do think it’s fair to wonder, however, if he has as much confidence in Brett Hundley as he seemingly let on last week. It was clear on Sunday that the offensive game plan was devised to essentially protect Hundley from making any fatal miscues, and that just doesn’t jibe with the glowing remarks McCarthy made about his quarterback in the lead-up to the game. McCarthy, to his credit, did the right thing and placed the blame squarely on himself after the loss, saying he didn’t make Hundley comfortable enough in the pocket. With a week off to see things more clearly, I would bet we’ll see just how much confidence the head coach has in Hundley when they take the field again in a couple weeks.
Tackling: No real need for explanation here. You can talk scheme until you’re blue in the face, but at the end of the day, players decide the outcome of games, and the players are responsible for executing essential functions of their jobs. If the Packers continue to struggle with tackling in space, they’re not going to see improved results, plain and simple.
Comments (23)
HavardPack
October 24, 2017 at 11:23 am
We are playing several players that are not making impacts: Ryan, Frackle, Dial, ex-49ers? Really and the one we did not pick up the Raiders did and what an impact he made out of the box. It is OK to draft and develop if they show something but most do not. Put players on notice cut some or trade them. All out effort or your gone.
HavardPack
October 24, 2017 at 11:23 am
We are playing several players that are not making impacts: Ryan, Frackle, Dial, ex-49ers? Really and the one we did not pick up the Raiders did and what an impact he made out of the box. It is OK to draft and develop if they show something but most do not. Put players on notice cut some or trade them. All out effort or your gone.
GBPDAN1
October 24, 2017 at 11:46 am
I was frustrated yesterday and vented . Today, I'm going to be more optimistic. I'm hoping what we saw on Sunday is growing pains regarding Hundley and MM working out a plan and adapting to life without Rodgers. It was BHs first start. They have the Bye to evaluate. The offense will be healthier in 2 weeks. Lane Taylor was missing, Lindsey was questionable for the game and playing hurt , Bak was rusty as he hadn't played for 5 weeks and Bulaga is probably still sore from the high ankle sprain. I believe the pass blocking will be better moving forward. Hundley will need to complete some passes in the 20 yard and beyond range to get the offense moving.
The defense was missing Burnett, Brooks and several D players are still playing through injuries. Being more healthy coming out of the bye can only help. (Can Biegel help as he'll be activated). The lions offense is not as good as New Orleans and the lions defense is on par with NO, at this point in the season.
I'm hoping that playing at home against this division foe turns into a victory. The remaining schedule is not that difficult. We can only hope that this team can win at least half of the games until Rodgers is back. from what I'm reading, it looks like Rodgers has a good chance to play the last 2 or 3 games of the schedule.
If we are still in playoff contention at that point, I like our chances of making the playoffs with Rodgers back. And with the NFC being uncertain, aside from the eagles, anything is possible in the playoffs. I know I'm being very optimistic at this point, but it's all we have. The next game against Lions well tell us more about our chances. Go Pack
RCPackerFan
October 24, 2017 at 11:59 am
I expected the Packers to lose and I thought it was a good week to try and figure out what they had in Hundley. Honestly for Hundley the timing of Rodgers injury was good. It gave Hundley a week to start and then get a bye week to work with the coaches on how they can run the offense to best fit his needs/talents. The current offense was built around Rodgers. Now they have to adjust it to fit Hundley.
I agree that the defense has been missing some players which has hurt them. Burnett is essentially the QB of the defense. Fackrell is terrible, so Brooks injury has hurt them. House and King should be better after the bye week.
I wonder if we might start seeing Adams playing on the DL. he might be a guy that could come in and help.
I think the offense will look a lot better after the bye week as well. I think we will see quite a few changes schematically. We saw some jet sweep action stuff. I think we will see a lot more of that.
dobber
October 24, 2017 at 01:43 pm
My guess is that, being his throwing shoulder, they'll be very cautious with #12 on his return to play. I'm not as optimistic on his timeframe as others.
I tend to be in agreement: the game after the bye will tell us a lot about what we're looking at as this team will be as close to 'full strength' as it can be without #12. If they can't come out rested and with two weeks to prepare and look credible, then we know this team ain't much.
croatpackfan
October 25, 2017 at 02:31 am
dobber, regarding Aaron and healing process, believe ne when I say there is few possible ways to speed up bone healing. I believe, they are using one of them and that is why Aaron is not present with the team yet. I believe that Packers will not jeopardize Aarons health, but, if I'm right, the question is only how fast bone can heal...
Is it strange that we do not know where is Aaron now. In which hospital or clinic he had surgery, or not? Why team keep that information from public? Aaron may be in Europe for special treatment...
RCPackerFan
October 24, 2017 at 11:42 am
Jones has been terrific! He has been a steal as a 5th round pick.
House I thought was really good. Finally got to see what he could do to help the defense.
Clark has probably been one of the best players on the team.
Some more rising candidates -
OL - They started 4/5ths of their starting DL, and they made it through the game relatively healthy.
Martinez - He is a tackling machine. The best part is he doesn't miss open field tackles. Something we aren't used to seeing.
Some more falling candidates -
Fackrell - Brooks can't get healthy enough, and Biegel can't get here fast enough.
Allison - He had 1 catch and 1 drop. He has offered almost nothing since the Bengals game. The last 4 games he has 2 catches for 21 yards.
MITM
October 24, 2017 at 11:58 am
Blake Martinez leads the NFL in tackles.
croatpackfan
October 25, 2017 at 02:42 am
And we are talking about bad takling...
Razer
October 24, 2017 at 12:28 pm
The first half of the season has been about injuries. Injuries have been the story and the primary influence in game outcomes. Thankfully, there has not been a question on effort or heart.
Post bye the story will be about the coaches. These last two games without Aaron have revealed the systemic problems on both offense and defense.
Offense: Obviously Hundley needs to play better, particularly his throwing. BUT McCarthy and OC Bennett need to be creative and smart with the weapons that we have. Weak playcalling, simplistic vertical seam routes and ignoring the TE's are not going to help the cause. The coaches need to plan it and call it better - PERIOD.
Defense: Dom needs to get these guys playing faster and without all the convoluted schemes. Cut down on all the packages, get the secondary to play stronger at the LOS and make opponents pay over the middle. We, to this day, still play with a prevent mentality and we are still a 4th and 26 defense.
Finwiz
October 24, 2017 at 12:42 pm
I'll sum this up for you as it appears you were struggling with words.....a LEOPARD can't change it's spots!
Razer
October 24, 2017 at 02:51 pm
Not sure that is what I was saying entirely but it does epitomize the Capers defense. I think that it is reflected in our poor performance on 3 and long defense. All to often we fail to make that stop.
Tundraboy
October 25, 2017 at 10:02 pm
"Defense: Dom needs to get these guys playing faster and without all the convoluted schemes. Cut down on all the packages, get the secondary to play stronger at the LOS and make opponents pay over the middle. We, to this day, still play with a prevent mentality and we are still a 4th and 26 defense."
Please Twitter this to Murphy, TT and MM right away.
I'm sick of years of 3rd and long, totally wide open middle and wide open Receivers. It's torture. It has gotten to the point where I pray the other team somehow fumbles or overthrows the ball. Or worse wishing the other team scores quickly so we can get the ball back to Aaron as many times as possible before we're out of time each week, often times to overcome MM's playcalling. Give Aaron as many shots as possible.
billybobton
October 24, 2017 at 01:29 pm
thank you for a well written and rational article, esp in the emotional times
losing AROD not only sucks for every fan but it really hurts those who incorrectly assessed the WRs and OL performing
and those who don't like eating crow by the reality of JONES being the best RB by a wide margin but only getting on the field because of injury, an indication of bad coaching and a bad GM. . . even so JONES got a lot of extra yardage from D being set up to stop passing and daring GB to run...this is going to change over the rest of this disaster of a season
Razer
October 24, 2017 at 02:46 pm
...even so JONES got a lot of extra yardage from D being set up to stop passing and daring GB to run...this is going to change...
I agree with this. New Orleans didn't respect our run and focused on Hundley throwing into tight coverages. If Hundley doesn't prove that he can throw the ball, teams will start to stack the box and shut down the only thing that appears to work on offense. We had better get this figured out - and fast.
Qoojo
October 24, 2017 at 01:46 pm
You can tell Jones has the moves. He has wiggle and power.
Pauly
October 24, 2017 at 02:08 pm
I would like to see RB Mays get a chance. In pre season he looked like a lot heavier Jones. Just as fast, elusive with a cut back jump.
Defense? What about moving CMIII to ILB with Martinez full time?
Give up on CMIII pass rushing,, he's not that effective at age 32. Give the Com helmet back to Martinez until maybe Burnett is back?
Start Beigle and Adams playing.
Then 2 press corners and 3 safeties with 1 high.
Seems like a lot simpler defensive scheme for all types coverage and run defense
IF, worse case scenario happens this year and Packers are drafting in the top 5/8 TT will have 12 picks. In 17 he had 10 picks and cut 3 of them. No room on 53 for them. So if that's the case, I would like to see him trade his 12 picks up to maybe 7/ 8 picks in top 100 players. Packers need to replace Jordy and CMIII plus other holes. This time draft players with strong history in their positions instead of projects like slow Rollins and tall, weak, fast Fackrell hoping he would gain strength and develop.
Ty Montgomery future,, I can see him replacing Cobb at slot receiver if Cobb leaves.
Packer_Pete
October 24, 2017 at 04:28 pm
Just a question: Everyone seems to be blaming Capers for all the woes on D, but one of the main issues is tackling. Isn't that coached by position coaches? I think Capers is game planning a lot and working on schemes, but the pure mechanics and execution of tackling is certainly coached by the likes of Moss, Whitt, Trgovac...
And while I can certainly not absolve Capers of any blame, it seems to me that the atrocious play of DBs in particular comes down to bad technique. ever watched replays or slomo of Packers CBs' technique? It's brutal. And that is somehow Whitt's domain, isn't it? I wonder, in the past there were some very good vets on that unit, Woodson, Al Harris... Tramon Williams used to say how much he learned from those guys. Maybe it was more those guys than Whitt...
CAG123
October 25, 2017 at 02:43 am
I know everyone wanted to excile him a few weeks ago but Randall has to be a riser that’s 3 straight weeks with a pick and he’s the only player in the secondary making plays not the Pro Bowl safety that was poised to make a bigger jump this year. HHCD only seems comfortable making a tackle when the receivers back is turned or he’s in th air but in a heads up open field situation he’s hesitant and it shows.
HankScorpio
October 25, 2017 at 07:25 am
Randall is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. He played decent as a rookie. He was horrific in year 2. He took the horror to new levels at the start of yr 3--to the point he either left the sideline mid-game or was kicked off the sideline by McCarthy (depending on what you believe). But since then, he's rebounded pretty well. In addition to the picks in 3 straight games, he's covered much better than he had been showing.
Whatever the reason for the rebound, I hope he can keep it up for the rest of his career. But I fear he'll revert to the guy that ended up in the locker room mid-game.
dobber
October 25, 2017 at 07:29 am
I think the "incident" earlier in the season has granted Randall a little more focus. Maybe even put a chip on his shoulder. He has been decent since then, and with King and House back, gives the Packers a little more depth in the secondary.
Now...if they could agitate some opposing QBs with a little bit of a pass rush...
HankScorpio
October 25, 2017 at 08:08 am
in 2017 NFL, you need 3 CBs available and productive at all times to play effective defense. So getting Randall's head in order is definitely a welcome development.
Now, if they can get Brooks healthy and Biegel can make an impact on some level, that pass rush might come along as well.
HankScorpio
October 25, 2017 at 07:20 am
Certainly it is the job of the individual players to make the tackles when the opportunity presents itself. But poor tackling has been a consistent trait of the Packer defense for years. That suggests the coaching staff bears some responsibility as well.
Tackling is a skill that can be refined and perfected in practice. It seems clear enough to me that not enough attention is paid to that rather important detail of defensive football.