Over the past several seasons the Green Bay Packers have had the luxury of playing with not just one, but two high caliber running backs – Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. This offseason, both backs were due for major paydays. The Packers were able to keep their superstar in town, signing Aaron Jones to a four year, 48 million dollar contract at the start of free agency this past March. Williams on the other hand, was forced to sign elsewhere and ended up going to Detroit on a two year, 6 million dollar deal. The departure of Williams sets the stage for a major increase of snaps for second year running back, A.J. Dillon, who seems to be more than ready to take on the responsibility.
A.J. Dillon’s rookie season was a rollercoaster ride to say the least, as was the case for most rookies during last years pandemic season. With an adjusted pre season schedule, which included no OTA’s or preseason games, Dillon did not find himself on the field much during the first half of the season. To make matters worse, Dillon also came down with Covid-19, and was sidelined from all team activities for about five weeks because of it. However, on a snowy Sunday night, A.J. Dillon was able to dominate when the team needed him most.
During the Packers week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans, A.J. Dillon put on an unforgettable performance – carrying the ball 21 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns. It was a performance that showcased just how special of a back he can potentially be and got the all of Packer nation excited for what is to come.
“The Tennessee game, definitely, I look back on as I’m preparing for this year as a big confidence boost,” Dillon said, when speaking to members of the media on Wednesday. “Now going into year two, second year in the offense, knowing a little bit more and hopefully expanding my role, I definitely know what I can contribute. So just looking to build on top of that and having more games like that Tennessee game.”
The contrast between the two running backs is glaring. Aaron Jones is a 5-foot-9, 209 pound speedster, who has dominated nearly every opponent he has gone up against over the past two season with his quick feet and elusiveness. Dillon on the other hand is a bull dozer. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at 247 pounds, Dillon uses his size and strength to shed tackles and pick up hard nosed yards up the middle. When asked about how he sees the duo preforming together, A.J. was nothing short of confident.
“I think we can be the best running back tandem in the NFL,” Dillon said. “You look at us and you see thunder and lightning, which absolutely we are, but the lightning guy, Aaron [Jones], he can also grind out some yards, and the thunder guy, myself, I’d like to say I can still beat some guys running away from them. So I feel like we both definitely have our strengths, but we bring two bags, and the entire running back room is capable of guys that can do it all.”
Although a bold prediction, it is hard to disagree with his statement. Aaron Jones has been a top three running back in the NFL for the past couple years, rushing for 2,188 yards and 25 touchdowns over the last two seasons alone. If Dillon can come in and produce like he did in week 15 of last season, the Packers will have a two headed monster in the backfield, the likes of which has never been seen before.
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