The Denver Broncos are still looking for their first win of the 2019 NFL season. Head coach Vic Fangio appears to be concerned about finding ways to stop Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones.
Jones is coming off a stellar performance against the Minnesota Vikings. According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, Fangio has been impressed with him since he was still coaching with the Chicago Bears:
“When I first saw them when he came up with them, I looked at him and I said, ‘Where did you get this guy?' I think he was a sixth-round pick. I'm saying, ‘Geez.' He's powerful, he's got really good balance, he's tough, he's a capable pass-receiver out of the backfield. They do everything with him, and they got a steal there.”
This is certainly some high praise coming from Fangio. There is no denying that there is plenty of truth to his comments. Although Jones was actually taken in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, his point about him being a steal still stands.
Jones has long been on the cusp of taking his play to the next level in the Packers' offense. He was able to solidify that notion by taking a career-high 23 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown while hauling in four receptions four 34 yards against the Vikings in Week 2.
Regardless, head coach Matt LaFleur has indicated that he would like to balance out the touches between Jones and Jamaal Williams in the backfield.
While it is likely an attempt to ensure the former's health for later on in the season, Fangio's comments indicate that LaFleur may be doing his early opponents a favor by not letting Jones loose.