Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is expected to play against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. His return will be a welcomed sight for the Green Bay’s struggling run game, but he should play a key role in the Packers passing attack as well.
Through three games, the Lions have struggled to cover running backs in the passing game. Overall, running backs have been efficient, catching 15 of 20 passes against Detroit while averaging just shy of 8.0 yards per catch. For some context, 8.4 yards per catch is currently the third-highest average among individual running backs this season. By DVOA, the Lions rank 28th in pass defense against running backs.
Jones, of course, brings playmaking to the Packers’ passing game from the running back position. He’s been a key part of the offense in that regard under Matt LaFleur, finishing second in targets on the team the last two seasons. As recently as Week 1 against Chicago, we saw the big play ability Jones adds to the offense, totaling 86 yards and a touchdown on only two receptions.
One aspect of Jones’ game that makes him difficult to defend as a pass catcher, and what the Packers can exploit against Detroit, is his ability to handle a variety of roles. He can line up in the backfield, in the slot, or out wide, where almost 25 percent of Jones’ snaps came from in 2022, helping to create mismatches and one-on-one opportunities, as we saw on Jones’ 35-yard touchdown catch and run against the Bears, where he was matched up with a linebacker in the middle of the field.
Jones is also able to be targeted at different levels of the field as well. Although he’s most often been targeted near the line of scrimmage, where he can get the ball in space which allows his playmaking to take over – Jones ranked sixth in average yards after the catch among running backs in 2022 – he can win on intermediate routes as well. Last season, according to PFF, Jones ranked second in targets of 10-plus yards at his position group.
Against a very good Lions defensive front who is allowing only 3.2 yards per rush this season, moving the ball on the ground isn’t going to come easy for Green Bay, especially given the early season issues they’ve had in this part of the game. They are also going to be without David Bakhtiari and could be without Zach Tom, potentially leaving them without their two best offensive tackles while having to go up against Aidan Hutchinson.
Utilizing Jones in the passing game will give the Packers the opportunity to take advantage of a weak part of this Detroit defense, but that element will also take some of the burden off the offensive line, particularly through the quick passing game, which can mimic what could be lost in the ground game, along with getting the ball out of Love’s hands quickly to avoid the pass rush. There is the explosive play potential that comes with getting Jones the ball as well.
Pelissero did add that the Packers will be conscious of Jones’ workload against the Lions. So while he will be available, how many snaps he sees is an unknown, but being a part of the passing game, even as a decoy which can create opportunities for others, should be a focal point in the Green Bay game plan.