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Green Bay Packers fans are excited. The team is the strongest it has been in recent memory under the leadership of Matt LaFleur. Aaron Rodgers is making plenty of fantastic plays to lead them to a fantastic 7-2 record. Another important cog to the team's success has been young running back Aaron Jones.
He's quickly establishing himself as the team's first-choice running back with the way he's been performing as of late. He's quickly making himself a presence that the Green Bay Packers cannot afford to be without. If he continues developing, he'll become an incredible player who will help the Packers to their first Super Bowl win since Super Bowl XLV.
Davante Adams has returned to the team after being sidelined for quite some time, so it's likely that Jones will find his role reduced over the next couple of games. However, it would be a blunder for LaFleur to not use him as a hardworking resource that can get them more first downs in the process.
There are multiple factors why he's been such a revelation for the Packers. These same assets will be instrumental for the second half of the season and their playoff campaign.
His biggest asset is obviously his running. His speed is enough to get the chains moving and finish up drives. During the three years he's been with the Packers, he's learned how to use his body best and get more yards. This season, he's gotten 496 yards and eight touchdowns from nine starts.
He doesn't have the most eye-catching speed as his 40-yard dash time during the 2017 Combine was only at 4.56. However, he was more than elusive when it came to running into opposing defenders. He doesn't get taken down easily.
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Another asset that the Packers love about him is his versatility. He may not be the best receiver in the world, but he does enough damage that opposing secondaries would have to be wary of him.
He showcased his abilities as a receiver option during the Packers' Week 8 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He made seven receptions for 159 yards and a touchdown. He will be a problem for the Packers' remaining opponents even if he didn't get much touches on the run.
Moreover, he has very safe hands. He's played 33 football games and started 21 of those, but he's only fumbled the ball three times. This gives Aaron Rodgers the confidence to keep throwing the ball his way.
Finally, his mentality is giving them the edge. He's always raring to go and perform like the superstar running back he knows he is. He's adamant for the team to get back to winning ways after the horrible loss they suffered against the Los Angeles Chargers. His eagerness to strive for excellence should rub off to the rest of the team.
There's a lot more to lose for LaFleur if he doesn't use Jones in his offensive schemes. He should know better than to leave him on the bench.
