Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones was considered a potential breakout candidate by many coming into this season, but it was mainly due to his preceding production on the ground; not as a pass-catcher.
Well, Jones has expanded his game this season and has been one of the most prolific receiving backs in the NFL.
On Sunday, Jones logged seven catches for 159 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, and on the season overall, he has caught 34 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
Over his first two NFL seasons combined, Jones totaled 35 receptions for 228 yards and a score, so he has obviously taken a major step forward in 2019, as he leads the league in total touchdowns (he also has eight rushing scores).
So, did Aaron Rodgers expect this out of Jones?
“Maybe not leading the league in touchdowns, but he’s pretty talented,” said Rodgers, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. “I think the scheme is obviously giving him opportunities to do a lot more out of the backfield.”
Jones has not been as efficient on the ground as he was in 2017 and 2018, as he has rushed for 466 yards while averaging a modest 4.1 yards per carry (he registered 5.5 yards per attempt in each of his first two campaigns), but his brilliance in the passing game and his ability to regularly punch in scores has been vital for the Packers' offense.
Green Bay improved to 7-1 with the win and will now head on the road to battle the Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.
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