Green Bay Packers: Midseason report card grades for each position
By Joe Kipp
Running backs: A+
A few weeks ago Davante Adams tweeted that the Packers have the best one-two punch at running back in the entire NFL. After eight weeks, maybe that statement wasn’t so crazy. Running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams have combined for 16 touchdowns and 1,166 scrimmage yards on 5.4 yards per touch.
Jones has been the most dynamic of the two runners, particularly in the passing game. Of his 361 receiving yards, 334 yards have come after the catch (92.5 percent). Additionally, Jones currently leads the entire Packers offense in targets (42), receptions (35), touchdowns (11) and scrimmage yards (821).
Perhaps most impressive, though, is the fact that Jones leads the entire NFL in touchdowns (11) through eight weeks, while his 821 scrimmage yards ranks fifth among running backs. Jones has been the definition of a do-it-all playmaker for the Packers, and has given Aaron Rodgers a safety blanket to lean on in Adams’ absence.
Finally, not to be forgotten is fullback Danny Vitale, who’s played a vital role as a blocker in the running game. Vitale is one of the most versatile weapons in the NFL, as the Packers line him up in a variety of sets. Through eight games, this position group gets a perfect grade (A+) for their overall versatility as runners, blockers and receivers.