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The Packers have a couple of standout players on offense and defense.
The Chargers and Packers face off on Sunday as Los Angeles looks to bounce back from their loss to the Lions and get back into the playoff mix.
While Green Bay might be 3-6, they have some players that could pose a challenge for the Bolts.
Here are some important things to know about the Packers ahead of the Week 11 matchup with the Chargers.
The Chargers travel to face the Packers on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 10:00 a.m. PT.
To get you prepped for the Week 11 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
Jordan Love’s first year as the Packers starting quarterback hasn’t been anything special. Through Week 10, he’s completed just 58.7% of his passes for an average of 6.7 yards per attempt and has 14 touchdowns to ten interceptions. Love will throw a nice pass to the intermediate-deep part of the field here and there, but he’s often careless with the football.
The Packers rank 21st in run offense, averaging 102.1 yards per game. Their lead back Aaron Jones has struggled with injuries this season but when he’s been on the field, he hasn’t produced. Jones is a game removed from a 2.7-yard per carry performance against the Steelers and he has yet to surpass 75 yards rushing yards in a game this season. On the other hand, Jones’ right-hand man, AJ Dillon, has picked up some of the slack, as he recently rushed nine times for 70 yards with a career-long carry of 40 yards. Dillon has averaged over 4.0 yards per carry in three of his last four games.
The Packers don’t have a bonafide No. 1 wide receiver, but they’re a very diverse group. Rookie Jayden Reed leads the crop with 417 receiving yards. Behind him is Romeo Doubs with 343 yards. Doubs leads the wideouts with six touchdowns. Christian Watson, who was expected to be a premier weapon, has dealt with injuries. While he’s limited, Watson has still been a reliable downfield threat. He is averaging a team-high 16.9 yards per catch.
The Packers’ strong suit on defense is at defending the pass. They rank seventh in the NFL, only allowing an average of 187.6 yards per game. Up front, they have some prolific pass rushers, led by Rashan Gary, who has 34 pressures and five sacks. Preston Smith and Kenny Clark also have five sacks. In the back end, they have a crop of solid coverage defenders.
Luke Musgrave. The rookie tight end has been a go-to target for Love. Musgrave ranks second on the team in receptions (29) and big plays (plays of over 20 yards) with five and third in yards (313).
The Packers still want AJ Dillon thinking less and playing more freely moving forward.
For Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon, the continued emphasis is on consistency and not pressing or overthinking when he’s on the field.
“The biggest thing is just making sure he’s not overthinking when he’s out there,” said running backs coach Ben Sirmans on Monday. “Looking at different games he’s had last year, he’s looked like his old self. There’s been runs this year where he’s looked that way. I think for him it’s just a matter of not trying to press to try to be something and be great.”
Dillon is in need of a bounce-back season after a down 2022 campaign, both for himself, as he is set to be a free agent this upcoming offseason, but also for the Packers, who have had to rely on him heavily with Aaron Jones missing two games and the importance that the run game plays in the Matt LaFleur offense.
However, through four games, it has been tough sledding. On 44 carries, Dillon is averaging only 2.7 yards per rush. He has only one run of 10-plus yards and is averaging only 2.31 yards after contact, which ranks 41st out of 56 eligible running backs, according to PFF. Dillon hasn’t been much of a factor in the passing game, either.
More often than not, we haven’t seen the burst or power that Dillon had ran with earlier in his career. The Tennessee game in Week 16 as a rookie is what comes to mind first. He’s also missed running lanes, been off-balance at times as well, and isn’t breaking tackles.
“That’s part of the things that we’ve talked about with him,” said Sirmans. “That’s why I keep saying, I just want to make sure he’s not out there pressing because you’re right, that year (2020), it looked like he was going to be a different type of dude. That’s something I talk to him about.
“I think that as he tries to elevate his game, sometimes you can overthink your abilities and just get out there and play. If you’re out there thinking too much about how I need to do this or I need to be this type of guy, that’s going to take away from you playing natural football. So that’s the biggest thing, just get out there and be natural. Let your abilities speak for themselves.”
To be fair, the offensive line hasn’t done a great job of giving Dillon many running lanes, and he doesn’t have the ability to create for himself like Aaron Jones. There have also been several instances where he’s been hit in the backfield before he even gets the opportunity to make a play. As a team, Green Bay is averaging just 3.3 yards per rush, which ranks 29th in the NFL.
As Dillon talked about over the offseason, the emphasis for him coming into 2023 was on running with a lower pad level to use his size and strength to his advantage and, as he put it, trying to be dominant rather than perfect as a ball carrier.
With Dillon and Jones often playing close to a 50/50 split each week in terms of snap count, Dillon is a key part of this offense. So if the run game is going to turn around at some point, while that responsibility ultimately falls on all 11 players on the field, Dillon finding more success with the ball in his hands is a must.
“Just let the game do more of coming to him,” added Sirmans, “and when he relaxes and does that, he’ll be fine. If you’re out there thinking too much about I need to do this or I need to be this type of guy, then that’s going to take away from you playing natural football.”
Here are some fantasy football players from the Bears and Packers that you should start in Week 1.
The 2023 NFL season is officially underway, which means fantasy football lineups are getting fine-tuned to be set for kickoff of this weekend’s slate of games.
The Chicago Bears will host the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Week 1, and there are several intriguing players on both teams that could have a big week in fantasy.
From the Bears’ electric quarterback Justin Fields to the devastating combo of the Packers’ Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon, both teams have some notable fantasy players. With that in mind: Who should you start in Week 1?
Packers RB AJ Dillon wants to lower his pad level as a runner and dominate during the 2023 season.
After a down 2022 season that even AJ Dillon acknowledges wasn’t up to par with his standards, a big emphasis for the Green Bay Packers running back this offseason has been playing with a lower pad level, using his size and strength to his advantage against defenders.
“One thing that we’ve really stressed with him is he’s a big back, and if you lower your pad level, guys don’t want to tackle,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “When you run like that and run behind your pads and are 245-plus pounds, you can lower the boom on somebody. I think as long as long as he continues to run with low pad level, I think he can be a force.”
Dillon averaged 4.5 yards per rush during his first two seasons but saw his total plummet to only 4.1 yards per carry in 2022. In less than half of the Packers’ 17 games, Dillon averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry, according to PFF.
Despite having almost the same amount of carries in 2022 as he did in 2021, Dillon forced eight fewer missed tackles and went from ranking seventh in yards after contact to 20th–perhaps the most telling stat of the bunch and why there has been an added emphasis on lowering his pad level this offseason.
“It’s a lot easier said than done,” said Dillon on Wednesday when asked about working on his pad level. “It’s something I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort over the entire offseason since it’s been brought up. It’s been something I’ve wanted to work on coming into this year. I think it’s just something in my mind, ‘It’s like, alright, how can I be as dominant as I can be?’
“It’s no shock with my strength, one of my big skills and strengths that I can do, one of my attributes is, if I have that good pad level, and have my shoulders square, I can generate power to keep that pile moving. Run through somebody. Just continue to form that habit is pretty much where I’m at.”
In football, we often hear the phrase “low man wins,” and it’s true because whether it be the ball carrier or the tackler, the lower player will have more leverage. Ball carriers who run upright are the easiest to tackle.
If the running back is able to get lower than the defender and has more leverage, then they can power through the defender and fall forward for another yard or two, or even break the tackle entirely.
“Coach (Ben) Sirmans always talks about, he always says, ‘If you think, you stink,'” said Dillon. “So I’m not out there thinking low pad level. But, for instance, in practice, it’s a great moment to try to over-emphasize. Over-emphasize like, alright, I’m having good pad level. Then hopefully you over-emphasize and it becomes a habit.
“Then when it comes game time, you just do it naturally. So that’s where I’m at. I feel like I had a good practice day with a lot of good pad level. We had a full-pad practice day. I definitely feel good with the practice and where it’s trending.”
Dillon is entering a contract year as he begins his fourth NFL season and the last of his rookie deal. A bounce-back season is not only important for Dillon, who will be a free agent in the offseason, but success in the run game will be a must for this Packers offense as well.
A consistent rushing attack will keep the offense ahead of the chains and Jordan Love and this young group of pass catchers out of predictable passing situations. In general, having a run game to lean on will take some of the playmaking burden off of Love’s shoulders with a sound ground game able to help open up the passing game and create shot-play opportunities off play-action–a key element of the LaFleur offense.
For Dillon, he knows the importance of this season, not only for his own future but also for the 2023 Green Bay Packers. However, his sole focus is currently on what he can control – like pad level – and the chips will fall where they may.
He’s had successes during his time with the Packers and some growing pains, but now knows what he needs to do. Rather than trying to be perfect, as was the case in 2022, Dillon now wants to make sure he’s dominant in 2023.
“Year 4,” said Dillon, “I guess one word would be just dominant. I want to be as dominant as I can be going into this year. I think I had my rookie year of not really knowing. I had my second year coming onto the scene and having a good year. And last year was more like I’m trying to be perfect. I’m trying not to make mistakes. Statistically, as far as missed assignments and things like that, I had a good year there. But I didn’t feel like I was imposing my will against teams.
“But now I feel like it’s combining all of them. Going out there. Playing free. Don’t need to play perfect but now I know what I need to do. I’m comfortable in this offense. I know what I need to do. And I know how I can look at plays, and I can look at games where I’ve been dominant, where my presence has been felt. So putting all that together.”
Dillon’s new children’s book, “Quadzilla Finds His Footing,” launched on Tuesday.
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Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon released his children’s book, “Quadzilla Finds His Footing,” during a launch celebration near Lambeau Field on Tuesday.
The book is available for purchase at Amazon or the team’s pro shop at a price of $15.99.
Dillon’s “Quadzilla” nickname provides the name of the story’s protagonist.
Per the book’s description, “Quadzilla Finds His Footing” is “an uplifting story about trying new things, even if it isn’t easy.” The main character learns to play a new game that Packers fans might recognize.
Dillon read from the story and did meet-and-greets during the launch party at the Johnsville Tailgate Village located in the Lambeau Field parking lot on Tuesday.
You can find more information at the links below:
AJ the author! ✍️ #Packers RB @ajdillon7 launches his new children's book, Quadzilla Finds His Footing
📖: https://t.co/6VubmLEoSt pic.twitter.com/f7VzH2ez6w
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) July 11, 2023
Todays launch day! For Quadzilla Finds His Footing! Such an awesome project, so excited to share it with everyone- buy your copy here – https://t.co/nPkyUMKhmF / also available on Amazon! Or come stop by the launch and grab a signed copy and chance to win a jersey! pic.twitter.com/jBHRzn9OgL
— AJ Dillon (@ajdillon7) July 11, 2023
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Which RB gets an easier schedule for 2023? Who experiences the worst drop in schedule strength?
The schedule strength for running backs is always the most accurate among fantasy positions, thanks to their volume of work and the tendency of teams to feature the run and rely more consistently on individual players. That makes this analysis the most reliable.
The average fantasy points allowed by defenses to running backs last year were applied to each offense’s schedule to determine their true schedule strength of last year, and applied the same values to their 2023 schedule. This includes considering both home and away venues separately for each defense.
The resulting fantasy point advantages are compared between years and their difference is their “swing points.” The higher the Swing Points, the better their schedule is compared to last year. This analysis is more telling than standard schedule strength. You know what happened last year with players – do they get an easier or tougher schedule for 2023?
Aaron Jones / AJ Dillon, Green Bay Packers – The Packers were saddled with one of the worst running back schedules last year, but Aaron Jones was still the No. 6 fantasy back while Dillion fell from No. 22 to No. 28. Jones turned in another solid year as a rusher and added a career-best 59 catches while Dillon handled almost the same touches as 2021, but wasn’t as effective. The departure of Aaron Rodgers throws everything into question, but at least Jones and Dillion won’t have the schedule working against them.
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers – In his rookie season, Harris faced the No. 4 easiest schedule for running backs and ended up as the No. 3 fantasy back thanks in part to his 74 catches. When he suffered a major decline in schedule strength down to only No. 28, he ended up as the No. 14 fantasy back while the Steelers adjusted to life without Ben Roethlisberger. Harris inherits yet another major shift in schedule strength this year, back up to one of the more advantageous slate of games.
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns – The Browns are consistently in the Top-5 in rushing stats and have the upgrade in passing with a full season of Deshaun Watson for 2022. Chubb ended as the No. 5 fantasy back anyway, with a career-best 302 carries for 1,525 yards. The Browns lost Kareem Hunt with no real upgrades and just Jerome Ford to play the complementary role. Chubb’s a safe bet for another stellar year that may not be quite as busy, but could be even more effective.
Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – As of this writing, Leonard Fournette has not signed with anyone, so he could return. The Buccaneers are entering a new era without Tom Brady and relying on a new offensive scheme under first-year OC Dave Canales. Chase Edmonds is new and yet already proven to be just the back half of any committee. The second-year rusher White is the heir apparent to the starting role after just 129 carries as a rookie with only a 3.7-yard average. Another back may still be acquired but at least White is situated with a better situation and schedule than he experienced last year.
This middle tier says that the schedule shouldn’t be notably bad or good from 2022, so the expectations shouldn’t change in regard to current year opponents. The notable unchanged include Miami facing the No. 30 schedule after battling the No. 32 last year. Derrick Henry (3 vs. 2) and Austin Ekeler (4 vs. 1) again enjoy top ranked schedules.
As it works out, most of the worst swings are just teams that faced average schedules last year, dropping down to face one of the worst. An impact to be sure, but at least no backfield suffers a freefall from the best to the worst schedule.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants – Barkley looked to face a bad schedule in 2022 when he seemingly inherited one of the worst schedules but it ended up not quite so bad as it played out and he managed to stay healthy for the first time since his stellar rookie season. But it is back to yet another tough slate of opponents based on last year’s stats. Barkley has already proven to be better than the effects of a bad schedule anyway, and the offense appears to be on a very positive track between HC Brian Daboll and OC Mike Kafka.
Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys – Like Fournette in Tampa Bay, there is a chance that Ezekiel Elliott re-signs with the Cowboys at a reduced rate (and assumedly workload as well). But Pollard parlayed a fine fourth season into a Top-10 finish among fantasy backs and forced the Cowboys to rethink their backfield. The Cowboys spoke to wanting more rushing this season which is nearly impossible given that their backfield handled an NFL-high 506 carries in 2022. And the only replacements for Elliott are Malik Davis, Ronald Jones and the diminutive Deuce Vaughn. The Cowboys have faced average schedules the last few years, so this downgrade comes at an interesting time with backfield roles changing.
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders – Like Barkley, the Raiders schedule looked very tough entering 2022 but Jacobs excelled in the first season under HC Josh McDaniels as one of the most productive backs in the NFL. It helped that he went from a previous high of only 273 rushes to 340 carries last year. There’s a contentious contract situation that could be involved and a quarterback situation that is changing. That alone spells some risk, and the schedule won’t be an advantage even if he somehow repeats his 393 touches from last year.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots – The Patriots offense went without OC Josh McDaniels but that meant a heavy reliance on second-year Stevenson, especially as a receiver (69 receptions). That allowed him a Top-10 finish after only ranking No. 48 as a rookie. The offensive scheme is changing again this year with Bill O’Brien as the new coordinator but the Pats appear likely to repeat the usage of Stevenson. The schedule downgrade from what was one of the best down to only average will have an impact, but much of what Stevenson did was related to his receptions, and that should insulate himself from any dramatic decline in fantasy points.
We’re looking at every player selected No. 62 overall since the 2000 NFL Draft and the Philadelphia Eagles’ chances of landing an impact player.
The Eagles need impact players on both sides of the ball, and with two first-round picks in this month’s draft, Howie Roseman will have another opportunity to add depth to a Super Bowl-caliber roster.
With so much parity in college football now, second-round picks are expected to be dynamic players, but the list of No. 62 overall selections leaves a lot to be desired.
The previous 13 choices at 62nd overall have combined for two All-Pro selections, three Pro Bowl selections, and two All-Rookie Team selections.
With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every player selected with the 62nd pick since 2000.
Jone and Dillon are among the best running back tandems in #Packers history, as evidenced by their inclusion on one exclusive list
The Green Bay Packers have relied on their ground game to pick up valuable first downs and yardage this season amid Aaron Rodgers’ relatively unspectacular 2022 campaign. As one of the NFL’s premier running back tandems, fan-favorite rushers Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon have both eclipsed the 650-yard mark this year while scoring five touchdowns apiece, a feat only achieved by three other duos in franchise history.
The first time that this threshold was reached by a pair of Packers was in 1960 when Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor put together a stellar season en route to an NFL Championship berth. Taylor would go on to accomplish the same achievement in 1963 with Tom Moore, in a season where Green Bay would go on to win the NFL playoff bowl with an 11-2-1 record.
Only John Brockton and Donny Anderson would be able to reach the same heights in 1971, with a 50-year gap between the next instance when Jones and Dillon put up similar numbers in 2021.
While the 2022 Packers haven’t made much of an impact on the league this season, their dynamically prolific offense has been fun to watch all year, and the future seems to be bright regardless of their quarterback situation moving forward. With a ground game as effective as the one they have put together, Green Bay should be able to dominate opposing defenses who key in on the air attack, especially if they have deficiencies in their linebacking corps.
It will take more than a sustained commitment to the run for the Packers to compete for another title, though, and the team should look to continue stockpiling talent on both sides of the ball to get back above .500 in 2023. If they can do that, and especially if Rodgers returns to quarterback the team next year, their outlook for the new season should be positive.
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Jones put up some crazy numbers in the #Packers’ last meeting against the #Dolphins in 2018
Star running back Aaron Jones has made a huge difference for the Green Bay Packers this season and will look to make his mark on their Christmas day game against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16. For Jones, big numbers against Miami would continue a trend that he started back in 2018 when he rushed for over 140 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries against the Dolphins that season.
Jones will have the benefit of fellow running back A.J. Dillon to help carry the load against Miami in Sunday’s matchup, which could help him sustain the unconscionable 9.7 yards per carry average that he achieved against the Dolphins in his only meeting against the team. Green Bay’s rushing attack is sure to have a major effect on the outcome of this game, even with reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers slinging the ball in the passing game.
Over the course of the 2022 season, Jones has split carries with Dillon in every game the Packers have played. He has a good chance to eclipse the 1000-yard mark on the season against Miami and will be motivated to find the same success found against the Dolphins in 2018 in his effort to will Green Bay to their seventh win of the year.
He won’t be able to do it alone, though, and Dillon will almost certainly cut into his workload as the game wears on. A capable runner himself, Dillon has 660 rushing yards under his belt through 14 games and could see more carries near the goal line in scoring situations. He has scored five touchdowns to Jones’ two on the year, though the latter is clearly the team’s lead back, having started all 14 games for the Packers this season.
One thing is certain; Green Bay’s offense won’t be one-dimensional in their effort to take down the Dolphins on Sunday.
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