Grading Packers’ running backs after four games into 2020 NFL season
The Green Bay Packers have gotten everything they could’ve dreamed of out of their running backs through four games this season.
The Green Bay Packers have an elite one-two punch in their backfield with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. It’s not just the duo’s ability to wreak havoc on the ground, but their ability to stretch defenses in the passing game as well that creates a lot of issues.
With four games completed and a bye week on the docket for the Packers, now is a perfect time to check in with each position and see how they’ve fared a quarter of the way through the season. We began with quarterback yesterday and continue with the running backs here.
Their running game ranks in the top five when it comes to total rushing yards (603) and yards per attempts (5.1). That opens up a whole bunch of options for this offense including play action and other misdirection plays based on the threat of the run. Let’s check out how each individual running back has fared so far this season.
Aaron Jones: Jones is the Packers’ lead back, but that doesn’t mean they overload him with carries or even snaps. They like to preserve him and keep him healthy for the long stretch by splitting playing time with Jamaal Williams and others. Jones has looked supremely fresh and is averaging 5.8 yards per rush so far this season. He’s been even more dangerous out of the backfield where he already has 15 receptions. The only bone to pick is he’s a bit inconsistent. Other than his 168 rushing yards against the Detroit Lions in Week 2, he hasn’t accrued more than 72 yards in any other game.
Grade: A
Jamaal Williams: Williams has clearly improved his game this season, especially in the passing department. He set a career-high with 39 receptions last year and already has 13 through four games in 2020. He’s also a good pass-blocker–proving to be both willing and capable. His lack of burst is still noticeable in the running game where his yards per rush is down, which makes him most suitable in this backup/change of pace type role
Grade: B+
Tyler Ervin: It might be time we officially change Ervin’s position to wide receiver. He’s only spent three snaps in the backfield according to PFF while splitting out wide 19 times and spending 66 snaps in the slot. Ervin came on strong after signing with the Packers in the middle of the 2019 season and has been a bit quieter so far in 2020. The Packers love to use him on jet sweeps, but he’s been more of a decoy so far this season, only recording one rushing attempt since Week 1. He’s still pretty good with the ball in his hands and always seems to pressure the defense with his ability to make defenders miss.
Grade: C+
dark. Next. Packers' positional grades at quarter mark
A.J. Dillon: We haven’t seen much of the Packers’ 2020 second-round pick, and he’s probably one of the players who was hurt the most with no preseason. With Jones, Williams and Ervin clearly ahead of him, it’s been difficult for Matt LaFleur to find playing time for Dillon outside of garbage time with the rookie only getting 15 snaps from the backfield and eight carries. Don’t get me wrong, he’s been pretty good on those eight carries and has flashed the power Green Bay loves. There’s a lot to like from the minimal appearances we’ve seen from Dillon so far.
Grade: B