The Packers earned a win on the road in Dallas by a 34-24 score after falling at home to the Eagles in week 4 by a 34-27 score. The win was much needed to keep on top of the tough NFC North. The key to the game was the play of running back Aaron Jones, who rushed for four touchdowns. Despite averaging just 3.9 per carry this season, Jones Is leading the NFL with eight rushing touchdowns.
While shredding the Dallas defense on the ground and having fun in the process, Jones had almost a little too much fun on his third score from five yards out. Waving goodbye to his defenders could have been costly, had a flag been thrown for taunting. Jones discussed this with former two time Pro Bowl punter Pat McAfee on his show.
Aaron @Showtyme_33 Jones sadly confirms he will no longer be waving goodbye at defenders #PatMcAfeeShowLIVE on @DAZN_USA pic.twitter.com/jsBkgnfoCZ
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2019
McAfee asked if first year head coach LeFleur has emphasized having fun and enjoying the game or is that more team oriented as opposed to coaching. Jones noted that it’s clearly a bit of both, but says it more goes back to playing the game you love growing up. He believes in going out and having fun with the 52 brothers been putting the hard work with all summer.
When asked if he was told not to wave at anyone again, Jones was quickly to say, “yes, sir.” Coach LeFleur reiterated just to run to the sideline after the score because a taunting penalty could be called and to not let that happen again. Jones said he didn’t realize that he had waved and was focused in the moment.
Had that play been called back for taunting, the touchdown would have been erased and a 15-yard penalty enforced. Take those seven points off the board and the outcome could have been different.
The Packers are in a good position moving forward at 4-1 and Jones surely will be an integral part of the offense. While he’s likely to find the endzone on numerous other occasions this season, expect his waving at defenders to be in his rearview mirror.
Here’s an interesting fact about Aaron Jones so far this year: His 8 touchdowns is the same amount the entire Chicago Bears offense has managed so far this year. He certainly earned his NFC Offensive Player of the Week reward in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jones has also scored more TDs than jets and dolphins……combined.
As i posted in the past, Jones has absolutely zero history of this and i think he just got caught up in the moment. But that isn’t what this post is about.
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My early (too early) initial thought’s on Matt LeFleur, the man, the coach, the leader. He seems to be about as real as it gets. When you listen to him, he’s not trying to dance with you. When asked questions, he tells you what he’s thinking. If he doesn’t want to answer a question, or he doesn’t like the question, he will tell you so, without getting arrogant or ugly about it (sorry Mike). I don’t see many dumb ass coaching mistakes as we’ve seen in the past, or stupid statements about getting x amount of running plays in (sorry Mike). Nor do i see players having to explain the rules to him (sorry Mike).
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When talking post game, LeFleur won’t call out his players by name, but he’s refreshingly honest about the team’s deficiencies, which wasn’t always the case (sorry Mike). When you listen to him, you can appreciate his knowledge, and wisdom and how he articulates. Everything he seems to say, you get the sense it is born out of careful thought, sound reasoning, and logic.
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I can now fully understand and agree with Murphy’s thought’s he expressed describing LeFleur through the interview process after hiring LeFleur, and why they hired him. I’m not going to crown Gute and Murphy for this hire …yet. But i will if deserved at seasons end. Everyone know’s i don’t have any love for Murphy, and i never will, but most everyone here also know’s i will credit when it’s deserved, no matter who it is.
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The season is young, and there is still a lot of work to do, but i’m cool so far.
PF4L you summed up everything perfectly for me. Saved me a post. I dont hear any of those people who were crying about us letting the “winning coach Mike” go saying much of anything anymore. The culture on this team has changed dramatically.
They aren’t complaining because seeing this year’s version of the Packers compared to McCarthy led teams gives them a different perspective for the first time in 13 years. That and it helps with LaFleur winning. The McCarthy apologists can’t bitch about 4-1. Imagine if the Packers were 1-4 or 2-3? The apologists would be out in spades crucifying LaFleur and the Packers. I saw something the other day after Gruden was fired by the Redskins. Lamenting the loss of assistants who were with the Redskins but are now head coaches while Washington flounders around again. That’s what it would be like all over the Packer landscape
Just found this, written by Domovsky.
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https://www.espn.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/47900/how-matt-lafleur-is-doing-what-other-first-year-coaches-havent-win
Interesting Fact: The Patriots pass defense has given up zero passing TD’s.
They have had 6 bye weeks. They have played 6 JV teams and have the Jets next week. That division should be folded. Buffalo is 4-1 but they are still terrible.
Have to respectfully disagree. Buffalo’s defense is legit. They have a pretty talented backfield too. Their formula is perfect for winning in the playoffs. It comes down to Josh Allen being able make some plays.
This is the NFL, if you play 5 teams without giving up a passing TD, you’ve done something, plain and simple. Not to mention so far in 6 games their defense only gave up 48 points. That’s record setting no matter who you play. I can’t seem to say this enough i guess. But in football, and in life, if credit is deserved, credit should be given.
Bring back the former owners of this page! Nothing new here. Move on.
Monty was last seen on a humanitarian aide trip to Africa this past winter. He has not been heard from since. Pray for him.
Pfftt…Yesterday he just got done washing,waxing and detailing my truck. I gave him $200 and bus fare and sent him on his way.
Jk Monty :)