Packers coaches reveal plan for RB AJ Dillon following three poor games

Many fans may have noticed that running back Patrick Taylor, who was promoted from the practice squad prior to the game, was the one who played a lot of the snaps in the fourth quarter. He also had a couple of big-time receptions that put the Packers in a position to win the game.

As LaFleur said Monday, though, no one should read too much into that decision:

It sounds like LaFleur was in “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” mode at the end of the game. The offense was clicking with Taylor so he left him in.

This is tremendous growth from the head coach who has frequently substituted running backs in and out in questionable situations. One can tell it was a hard decision for him from the “I’d have a lot more confidence if he was the guy in there” comment.

As for the team sticking with Dillon going forward, LaFleur seems confident that he will be able to break out of his current funk:

Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich echoed these comments:

Jones’ injury status is up in the air this week because Green Bay has to turn around and play the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. Even if he does play, though, it is reasonable to assume that he will be on a pitch count.

This means Dillon will keep getting the ball.

Dillon is far from blameless when it comes to his poor production so far this season (39 carries for 107 yards, 2.7 yards per carry.) However, when rushing to criticism, it is important to acknowledge that the Green Bay offensive line is not good at run blocking. Pass blocking? It’s their bread and butter. But run blocking is a huge struggle.

And it is a struggle when everyone is healthy! Consider this: the only game in which Dillon ran behind a completely healthy offensive line was Week 1. Interestingly, it was his worst game (13 carries for 19 yards.) In Week 2, the offensive line was missing David Bakhtiari and lost Elgton Jenkins mid-game. Last week, Bakhtiari and Jenkins were out and Zach Tom got hurt.

That is three starting offensive linemen that have gone down. Given the kind of runner Dillon is, the one who is supposed to go between the tackles, it makes sense that his numbers are down as offensive linemen go down around him. But the thing is, his numbers have gone up since Week One.

Take away his Week One numbers and Dillon is averaging 3.3 yards per carry, which isn’t great but is a lot better than 2.7. Also, here is a list of NFL running backs currently averaging less than 3.3 yards per carry:

• Dalvin Cook
• Derrick Henry
• Josh Jacobs
• Jamaal Williams
• Rachaad White
• Rhamondre Stevenson

There are others, but those are the biggest names.

Again, 3.3 yards per carry isn’t what Dillon or the Packers should expect from him. They should expect more. The point is that, while fans and analysts may disregard it, he is getting better. Slowly, but better.

The team will keep feeding him, and (hopefully) soon he will reward their faith in him.