Twenty-one loads. 124 yards. Two touchdowns. Many people thought that Derrick Henry’s line of statistics would look something like this on Sunday night, not AJ Dillon’s. After not playing much of a role in the attack in the first 15 weeks of the season, the Green Bay Packers newcomer running back chose a huge stage to have an outstanding performance. It all came together for Dillon in a remarkable victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 16.
Entering the game, Dillon had 24 carries for 114 yards, no touchdown and a reception for 16 yards. In all fairness, not much was expected of Dillon in year 1. It was basically a year in a red shirt in which he could feel comfortable with the attack and learn from Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. In limited reps, he averaged 4.8 yards per load, which is by no means terrible. However, he had not yet found his balance within the offense.
Everything changed this week when Jamaal Williams was considered inactive because of a quadriceps injury, possibly providing a small opening for Dillon. However, even with Williams out, Jones would likely continue to secure most of the touches.
Dillon was on the field for less than 10 percent of offensive snaps in 2020 and was also placed on the reserve / COVID-19 list for a period of five weeks earlier in the year. After the game, Aaron Rodgers admitted that he wasn’t sure if Dillon would be back this season. Clearly, Dillon would not miss a great opportunity if she presented herself.
On the opening drive that was 60 yards and a touchdown, Dillon did not load and was not on the pitch for a single play. Jones appeared to be on his way to another solid performance, starting the game with three runs for 20 yards.
The second trip was designed for Dillon by coach Matt LaFleur. It didn’t start exactly well, as his first two loads totaled just two yards. Dillon finally got things done with a six-meter run and another nine-meter run. These two loads may never have happened if the Titans had not committed a crucial penalty on the third down to extend the momentum. If that penalty never occurred, Dillon may have had a very different night.
Later, an interception by safety Darnell Savage created a short field situation for the Packers’ attack. However, on the first play, Rodgers threw the ball towards Jones, who was knocked over and fell awkwardly. Jones left the game and was replaced by Dillon.
On the next play, Dillon ran through the middle for a 14-yard gain. While Green Bay scored their third touchdown, Dillon became the main sideline.
When the Packers recruited Dillon, the chances of him going through an arm in cold December football were some of the first images that came to mind. Against Tennessee, he did just that. During the third quarter, Dillon jumped through a hole, and with a man to win, he forced a wrong tackle for a 30-yard touchdown run.
The long score certainly would have ended a big night for Dillon, but he was not done yet. He would later score his second touchdown in his career while carrying a pile of Titans players on his shoulders. On the training ground, we saw photos and heard folk tales about Dillon’s strength, but on Sunday night it was the first time that everyone could witness.
He showed that there can be a bright future at Green Bay. He also showed why the Packers were so excited about him. In reaction to Dillon’s Day 2 selection, many pointed to LaFleur’s time with Henry in the season he spent in Tennessee. Comparing the physical stature and play style of the two players, it was clear that the Packers hoped that Dillon could be their own version of Henry. Sunday night brought some hope that it would really come true.
Dillon had the best game between the two, as Henry ended the game with 23 runs for 98 yards and no touchdowns. At the moment, there is no telling what Dillon’s role will be when Jones and Williams are back to full health. For Green Bay, having three viable running back options is a big problem.
“It’s so exciting when you have three coasts that you have so much confidence in,” LaFleur said. “All three guys, for me, are beginners in this league.”
This performance may be considered Dillon’s most memorable of his debut season, but even if that is the case, the Packers will be happy. At the very least, Dillon has shown that this attack can still play at a high level with him as the primary running back.