The Green Bay Packers had a strong running back core during the 2021 NFL season in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. AJ Dillon played in all 17 games last year. Dillon led the team in attempts with 187, rushing yards with 803, and rushing touchdowns with 5. Aaron Jones missed only 2 games last year (Week 11 against the Vikings and Week 18 against the Lions) and had 171 rushing attempts and 799 rushing yards with 4 rushing touchdowns.
The Packers are one of the few teams in the NFL that have 2 good running backs. The Cleveland Browns have Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt while the Washington Commanders have Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic.
I believe there are three great reasons to keep 2 RBs:
1.) Injury Backup
No one ever wants to see an injury happen, but in a contact sport like football, it is bound to happen for the Packers. When Jones missed the game against the Vikings, Dillon ran 11 times for 53 yards, an average of 4.8 yards per rush. Having a second running back that averages more than four yards per rush can be a game changer for some teams. There are times when a team has their star running back go down, their whole gameplan changes, and they either throw the ball more or run the ball less. Dillon has the build to be a dominant force when he touches the ball. Don’t get me wrong, Jones is an outstanding running back, but having a second option does not hurt whatsoever.
2.) 2 RBs in the backfield
If the Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is ever in the shotgun, he may have Jones or Dillon next to him or at sometimes, both. If and when he has both, these situations can cause the defense to call a change prior to the ball being snapped. When both are in the backfield and the play is a pass, they can have one run a route and the other pass block. This will most likely be Jones running a route and Dillon pass blocking. If the play is a run, the defense will have to commit to one of them. Let’s say Jones gets the ball and the defense decides to run commit to Dillon, this opens the field for Jones. The potential for a big gain is there with this formation.
3.) Spreading the Touches
Getting some rest never hurts. If Jones busts a huge run for like 60 yards, Dillon can come in the next play for Jones to get a breather. Both Dillon and Jones are two stellar backs so the Packers are not losing talent when one is getting a break. Keeping the defense on their feet can make things interesting during the game. Surprises throw some people for a loop and the Packers have a great opportunity to do this with Jones and Dillon as their running backs.
Hopefully, the 2022 NFL season is another successful year for the Packers. Chances of them making the playoffs are high and the team wants that percentage to stay at the top of the league. Green Bay is not only a great passing team but a great running team. Here’s to a healthy and fun season for both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Be sure to check out another article about the Packers written by Matthew Brown: https://gridironheroics.com/the-packers-need-to-keep-caleb-jones/
For the Packers 2022 schedule, click this link: https://www.packers.com/schedule/