Packers: Time for AJ Dillon to get more playing time
The Green Bay Packers are fortunate to have one of the best one-two punches at running back in Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. However, it’s past time Dillon begins to get more carries and playing time.
After being selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Jones quickly made a name for himself as a rookie. He’s a slippery back who has a quick burst in and out of cuts and the ability to break any play for a long gain.
He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2019 and 2020 and re-signed with the Packers last offseason after publicly verbalizing his willingness to return. Jones’ dynamic abilities have been on full display during that time as he made his first Pro Bowl last season as well.
Seemingly prone to injuries, he’s always split carries in a platoon that sits somewhere around 60 percent of the snaps for Jones and 40 percent for the other guy (it was Jamaal Williams and now it’s Dillon). Through nine games this season, he has 516 yards on 116 carries for a career-low average of 4.4 yards per carry. The same opportunities or burst haven’t been there for Jones, as his rushing yards per game are the lowest it’s been since his rookie campaign.
After the Green Bay Packers used a second-round selection on running back AJ Dillon in 2020, it’s time to get the second-year pro on the field more.
Meanwhile, Dillon continues to get better and better as the season wears on.
After playing sparingly as a rookie, it’s taken some time for Dillon to find his groove, but it’s safe to say he’s in beast mode now. He’s been more productive as a runner despite getting 40 fewer carries than Jones. In 76 rushing attempts, he’s ran for 355 yards–an average of 4.7 yards per carry.
Where Jones brings the speed and quickness, Dillon is the power back of the duo. However, don’t limit him to just that role, as he also had a nice blend of quick feet, vision, and speed in the open field. He also has soft hands that allow him to play on passing downs (he’s caught 14 of his 16 targets this season).
Dillon is a load to handle and always keeps the ball moving forward when he’s in the game. He’s only played 34 percent of the snaps this season and it’s time for that number to increase. He doesn’t have to surpass Jones in playing time, but getting his snap percentage at least at 40 percent if not 45 percent will be very helpful moving forward.
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He’s the perfect cold-weather back and someone defenses will hate to tackle when the weather continues to turn. He’s also been more efficient with his snaps and getting him into a better groove with more playing time could propel him to even better efficiency running the ball.
Jones is still the clear guy for Green Bay, but it’s past time they even the load a little more. Dillon is much more talented than Williams and he should be rewarded as such.