Has Aaron Jones finally arrived in Green Bay this season? There is a lot to feel good about regarding Jones if you are the Packers. There have been some head-scratching performances that make you take a step back. However, in Week 14, he showed what he is capable of accomplishing.
In a 20-15 win over the Washington Redskins, Green Bay needed a big performance from Jones. That is exactly what they received. Jones carried the ball 16 times for 134 yards and a touchdown. He also caught six passes for 58 yards. Jones hit every hole opened by the Green Bay offensive line on his way to 8.4 yards per carry. Moving forward, this is the version of Aaron Jones that the Packers need.
Packers Need Consistency from Jones
As a whole, Jones' numbers are strong. They do not make anyone take a second look but they are good numbers for a running back in the NFL. His problem has been consistency.
On the season, Jones has 12 rushing touchdowns, seven of which were scored in two games. He has three games over 100 yards this season. On the other hand, he has eight games under 50-yards rushing. Six of those games were under 40 yards and three under 30. This is partly due to the strange game planning and play calling by head coach Matt LaFleur. Ultimately, Jones needs to be more consistent.
The Packers have given Jamaal Williams carries at times but he has just 93 compared to 175 from Jones. Aaron Rodgers is still playing at a high level but he is not lighting up the league like in the past. Green Bay has established a new identity of rushing the quarterback on defense and trying to establish the run on offense. This begins with Jones.
Green Bay averages 107 rushing yards per game. They are finding ways to win games. They picked up their 10th win in Week 14. Winning ugly games in the NFL is something that good teams must be able to do.
After the Packers took a 14-0 lead after two drives, the Redskins outscored 15-6 over the rest of the game. Green Bay never trailed in the game because of their ability to run the ball. Rodgers finished with just 195 yards and one touchdown in the win.
For the Packers, their ground game will have to take them far. Running the ball allows their offense to stay on the field and let their defense rest. It also shortens the game. The more time Rodgers is on the field, the better. For this to be possible, the Packers will need the version of Jones that they saw in their win over the Redskins.
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