Every single Green Bay Packers should know the name LaDainian Tomlinson. Even though he never played a snap for the Packers, he is still one of the greatest running backs that the NFL has ever seen. He’s a Hall of Famer, and rightfully so.
Most fans will argue that Tomlinson was one of the best running backs in recent history and some will argue that he is an all-time great. That is all beside the point. Count Tomlinson in among those who think the Packers have a very special backfield.
Heading into the 2021 NFL season, the Packers have both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon ready to rock and roll. Both players are expected to receive a hefty number of carries and they both are expected to be very productive.
Tomlinson certainly buys into the hype building in Green Bay about the running back duo. He ranked the Packers’ backfield the No. 3 backfield in the entire league.
Green Bay has its first change in the backfield in a few years. Jones has been the best running back on the roster for a few years, but Jamaal Williams was a quality running mate. He split carries with Jones and was very productive when he touched the ball.
Unfortunately, the fan favorite ended up leaving town this offseason to sign with the division rival Detroit Lions. Williams will be missed, but that makes room for Dillon to get carries.
Dillon was surprisingly drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. It was a move that left many fans scratching their heads, as the Packers already had two very good running backs on the roster. As a rookie, Dillon showcased some of his full potential with a huge game against the Tennessee Titans late in the year, carrying the football 21 times for 124 yards and two scores.
Jones was brilliant once again during the 2020 season. He racked up 1,104 yards and nine touchdowns on 201 carries. In addition to his rushing numbers, he caught 47 passes for 355 yards and two touchdowns.
LaDainian Tomlinson is onto something and it’s about time the national media starts taking notice of the storm brewing in Green Bay. The Packers have an excellent thunder and lightning duo with AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones respectively. This is going to be a fun year for fans who enjoy seeing the Packers run the ball at a high level.
