The swarm, the energy, the mutual support, all resulted in a physical defense mark that gives Packers a new standard as the season’s stakes get higher.
In attack, the standard has been quite high for most of the season, but another option in the running game is, to say the least, intriguing.
Back rookie AJ Dillon introduced himself to the NFL world with a performance of 21 carry, 124 yards and two TDs with Jamaal Williams off the pitch due to a hip injury. The choice of the 247-pound runoff seemed to have been born to run in December snow at Lambeau Field.
In the meantime, Aaron Jones has passed 1,000 run yards for the second consecutive season – the first Packers running back to do this since Eddie Lacy in 2013-14 – and Williams’ injury shouldn’t be long term.
There is only one football at a time, but now LaFleur just enjoys the plug-and-play aspect that takes root with the ground game. While certain backs can perform certain moves more effectively, there is no change in the overall scheme when ball carriers enter and leave.
“Just the confidence not to worry about who is in the running back position, this is important,” said LaFleur. “Being able to have someone there that you can play with and not change your thoughts … you can just go on the attack. It’s a great luxury to have.”