Green Bay Packers: 5 Reactions to first loss of 2019 season
4. Running game must be more consistent
Admittedly, losing Jamaal Williams on the first drive of the game did not do the Green Bay Packers run game any favors. He has been a key cog in a running back committee through the first three weeks and undoubtedly threw the gameplan for a loop when he was taken off the field. Having said that, it was tough to watch Aaron Jones consistently do almost nothing when handed the ball.
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It’s certainly not negligible that the Eagles have one of the best run defenses in the NFL in the early part of the 2019 season. They have consistently been shutting down opponents in that regard and it’s one of the reasons their defense remains so highly respected. Having said that, the Packers have to be more productive when they hand the ball off.
Jones managed an awful 21 yards on 13 carries in the Week 4 loss, even if he did find the end zone. Considering how productive he’s been throughout his career, we know he’s a talented player. However, the offensive line — which is also good — needs to be more effective opening up holes while LaFleur simply needs to be more creative with how he’s deploying his running plays.
With or without Williams, depending on his diagnosis following his scary injury on Thursday night, the Packers have talent in the backfield. Jones has been a potential breakout star for some time and rookie Dexter Williams was impressive in the preseason. To make sure Rodgers isn’t having to do it all on offense, though, we need to see more from the Packers rushing attack on a consistent basis.