Count Pro Bowl defensive lineman Gerald McCoy among the growing fanbase of Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones.
After Sunday’s loss at Lambeau Field, McCoy showered praise on Jones, who rushed 13 times for 93 yards and three touchdowns in the Packers’ win.
“He is excellent. He is a great running back,” McCoy said in the Panthers locker room Sunday. “I am excited for him. His big year continued against us. I wish him all the best moving forward. He deserves everything coming his way. He is a very talented guy. He is taking the league by storm. Everyone should know his name at this point.”
McCoy made a big play to end the first half, stuffing Jamaal Williams for a loss on the final play of the second quarter, but the Panthers struggled mightily to get Jones on the ground.
Of Jones’ 13 carries, seven gained five or more yards, including three runs over 10 yards. He had a 28-yard run and a 13-yard touchdown on the same drive in the third quarter.
Overall, the Packers running backs rushed 26 times for 156 yards.
There’s little doubt that Jones is becoming a star. He’s on pace to score 21 touchdowns and gain over 1,500 total yards during the 2019 season, his third in the NFL.
Aaron Rodgers said it’s probably time to start considering Jones a legitimate MVP candidate, and McCoy probably wouldn’t disagree.
After 10 games, Jones is tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns (11) and total touchdowns (14), and twice he’s been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.