Green Bay Packers: 5 Biggest surprises of 2019 regular season
By Joe Kipp
3. Aaron Jones leads NFL in total touchdowns
The biggest reason for the Packers’ offensive success in 2019 has been the rise of running back Aaron Jones. Though he was not named to the Pro Bowl, Jones has been one of the NFL’s best runners this season and the engine that’s kept the Packers offense running.
Jones finished tied for first in the NFL in scrimmage touchdowns (19) with the Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey, and first in rushing touchdowns (16) with the Titans’ Derrick Henry. The Packers scored 44 total touchdowns over the 2019 regular season, which means Jones accounted for 43 percent of the team’s touchdowns.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, take a look at this stat. According to ESPN, the Packers are third in the league in expected points added per play when Jones is on the field, and fall to 29th when replaced by backup running back Jamaal Williams. Despite that, Jones has played more than 70 percent of offensive snaps just twice this season.
Meanwhile, Jones also finished as Pro Football Focus’ (subscription required) No. 5 highest-graded running back. He rushed 236 times for 1,084 yards, while adding 49 catches for 474 yards through 16 games. Jones’ value to Green Bay’s offense cannot be understated.