Sounds Like Packers Will Stick with One Running Back
We were all surprised when the Green Bay Packers started and rolled with Jamaal Williams at running back throughout the Buccaneers game. The reason for the surprise was because Aaron Jones was healthy and active.
Jones is averaging more than 5 yards per carry. Williams was averaging just 3.2 coming in. Of course, Williams improved on that average with a 112-yard day.
So what now?
The assumption was there would be some sort of rotation. However, it seems clear that Williams is much better when he gets consistent opportunities. Jones, who’s looked more instinctive, can seemingly come in and be effective at any time.
It sounds like the Packers are going to stick with one back, rather than have much of a rotation.
McCarthy with flow of 2 RBs in offense: “One guy stays in the game. Jamaal & Aaron high on instinct.” #packers
— Dylan Scott (@WLUK_Dylan) December 6, 2017
If that is indeed the case, it would suggest that Williams would be the guy. While he didn’t start off fast — more or less just running straight ahead early on — he showed something different against the Bucs. That was making cuts and kicking it to the outside when the opportunity presented itself.
Personally, I still like what Jones brings to the table as a runner more. However, Williams appears to be much superior in pass protection. In Mike McCarthy’s eyes, that’s likely key to him being out there over Jones.
If it were my decision, I’d take the more dynamic guy in Jones. However, I’m betting the Packers take Williams because they can trust him on all three downs. You have to remember that Jason Spriggs is now lining up at right tackle, so Williams’ help in pass pro is of considerable value.
MM is not the type to stick with one running back. MM will be running both in and out of the lineup. That can be good to keep the backs fresh, but it can be bad when you take a back out when he is getting on a roll. Both backs so far have shown they can carry the load for an entire game and can make shock plays. Both have different strengths and weaknesses. I do think Jones has the potential to go all the way any time he touches the ball. Williams is more of a pounder with some big play ability. You never know what you have over the long haul with both being so young. I would hope they can develop in the future into a last years version of Freeman and Coleman with Atlanta.
Yes sir…..McCarthy has always been a committee rb offensive coordinator, even with Lacy. Williams isn’t going to break many runs past 7 yards, but i’ll tell you what, that beast can move the chains. Far more productive than Lacy on short yardage. Speaking of Lacy, he’s averaging something like 2.6 ypc.
I agree with your analysis, but i want to see what Jones and Williams can do with a larger body of work. Some people tend to anoint players hero’s over a good game or 2, or 3. which is fine, but i want to see it done over a larger body of work, against different defenses. My example of that is sacks, yes we can get some sacks, but who are we getting them against? I don’t want to watch Daniels start dancing and primping around the field because he got a sack against a losing teams offense that is missing almost their entire starting O-line(Great job Mike). Then we get in the playoffs, and nobody on defense can make a fucking play. Nobodys dancing then.