4 X-Factors for the Packers Week 1 matchup vs. Bears
By Paul Bretl
Packers X-Factor: AJ Dillon
As I’ve already discussed, the run game is going to be crucial to the Packers overall success on offense, not only against Chicago but throughout the season. In short, it keeps the offense ahead of the sticks and out of obvious passing situations while opening up opportunities in the passing game. This is also a Bears defense that really struggled to stop the run last season and even with their new additions to the front seven, how they handle it is still an unknown.
As of now, we do not know if Doubs or Watson will be available but, as I wrote about recently, in the past when the Packers have been shorthanded at receiver, they’ve leaned heavily on Aaron Jones in the passing game. Now, this isn’t to say that if that’s the case, Jones won’t be asked to run the ball or if both Doubs or Watson are available, Dillon won’t be an important part of the offense – he is going to be regardless – but the need for him to make an impact increases if Jones is taking on more pass-catching responsibilities.
From a numbers standpoint, 2022 was a down season for Dillon, in terms of yards per carry and his ability to force missed tackles. In need of a bounce-back season, the emphasis for him this offseason has been on running with a lower pad level and using his size and strength to hiseeg advantage. Dillon also told me that rather than trying to be perfect in everything he does, which was the case last season, his mindset is to be dominant.
During the Packers Week 13 matchup with Chicago last season, Dillon averaged 5.2 yards per rush with the offense leaning heavily on him in that game. There’s the potential that we see a similar formula on Sunday.