The Green Bay Packers offense has undergone some major changes in the last few offseason. For example, the pass-catching group has been completely changed since Jordan Love was selected in the first round in 2020. But, the one constant amongst all of that turnover has been the backfield. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon have been holding things down as they head into season four as a tandem.
Jones was originally a fifth-round pick of the Packers in 2017 from UTEP, while Dillon was added with a second-round pick in 2020 out of Boston College. They are a dynamic duo who was recently acknowledged by PFF as being the best running back tandem in the NFL.
“For the longest time, this spot would be occupied by the Cleveland Browns‘ Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but because Hunt is still a free agent, the nod goes to Jones and Dillon. This was an easy choice as both Jones and Dillon received top-five rushing grades at 90.7 and 88.1, respectively. On top of that, Jones was tenth in the NFL with 1121 rushing yards with 2 rushing scores and added another 395 receiving yards through the air and 5 scores. Dillon put up 770 yards on the ground with 7 touchdowns of his own.”
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and his staff have done an excellent job of finding opportunities for Jones and Dillon to both receive an adequate amount of work. Jones is the most explosive player, the lighting to the thunder and power that Dillon provides.
Green Bay is comfortable with either of them handling work in the backfield. Jones is one of the best-receiving backs in the NFL but is no slouch as a runner. Since becoming the starter in 2019, he has recorded at least 1,190 total yards and seven touchdowns in every season.
The Packers have worked tirelessly to help Dillon round out his game. He was known only for his rushing ability at Boston College, catching only 21 passes in three seasons with the Eagles. In the NFL, his targets have increased every season as he gets more comfortable in passing situations.
A do-it-all tandem whose strengths complement each other well, it was a no-brainer decision to select Jones and Dillon as the best running back duo in the NFL. However, that is a title they will have to work hard to retain as there are some excellent duos that will be on their heels during the 2023 season.