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The Green Bay Packers had a very disappointing season in 2018, finishing with a record of 6-9-1 and missing out on the playoffs for the second straight year, which marked the first time since 2006 that that occurred.
However, there is plenty of optimism in Green Bay heading into 2019.
Not only do the Packers have a new head coach in Matt LaFleur, but they made numerous additions to bolster what was a shaky defense, and they still have one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Aaron Rodgers under center.
Also, this coming season could represent a breakout year for running back Aaron Jones.
Jones will be Green Bay's featured back going into 2019, so here are three goals for Jones to achieve next season.
3. Stay Healthy
Obviously, this is a bit out of Jones' control, as you can't really control injuries. But that doesn't change the fact that we all want to see a healthy Aaron Jones for 2019.
The 24-year-old has been in the league for two years, and in both seasons, he was limited to 12 games apiece because of knee injuries.
This past year, a sprained MCL knocked him out of action for the final four games of the campaign, preventing him from having a shot at 1,000 yards.
When Jones is on the field, he is very productive, as evidenced by the fact that he owns a very impressive career average of 5.5 yards per carry. But, of course, you have to actually be on the gridiron to produce.
If Jones can just play a full 16-game campaign in 2019, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber halfback.
2. Rush for 1,000 Yards
This is simple: if Jones stays healthy, he should rush for 1,000 yards. Period.
Through 12 games in 2018, Jones racked up 728 yards. That's 60.7 yards per game, so if he played in all 16 contests, he would have been on pace to rush for 971 yards.
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Given that Jones is headed into his third season with the Packers and should be getting better and better, there is no reason why the UTEP product shouldn't be able to total 1,000 yards on the ground.
Keep this in mind, too: based on everything we have been hearing, Jones will be getting more touches under LaFleur in 2019, and with more touches comes more opportunities.
It would not be surprising to see Jones among the league leaders next season. He certainly has the talent to do so. It's merely about staying on the field and the coaching staff utilizing him correctly.
1. Remain Efficient
Yes, Jones has been a bit frustrating thus far because he has missed eight of his first 32 NFL games, but we do know one thing from watching him when he is on the field: he is efficient.
The Savannah, Ga. native has averaged 5.5 yards per carry in each of his first two seasons, and it's not like he did it on low volume in 2018, as he had 133 rushing attempts.
Of course, Jones will probably see a bit more action in 2019 with the Packers, so his yards per carry may dip a bit, but that doesn't mean he has to become an inefficient bruiser like Leonard Fournette.
Jones can still easily average in the neighborhood of five yards per attempt even with increased usage.
Oh, and Jones also has the potential to be an efficient pass-catcher out of the backfield, as he hauled in 26 receptions for 206 yards and a score this past season. With LaFleur now at the helm, expect to see more screen plays run for Jones to provide a security blanket for Rodgers.
