Can AJ Dillon Bounce Back for Green Bay Packers After Slow Start? |

AJ Dillon isn’t off to the start Green Bay Packers fans were hoping for this season. The Packers RB2 has 74 rushing yards on 28 carries averaging 2.6 yards per carry. While Dillon isn’t fully to blame for the slow start, fans were hoping to get more juice and spark from Dillon who does get a good amount of carries backing up Aaron Jones.

Dillon started last game in the absence of Aaron Jones and didn’t exactly have an impressive performance. He had 15 carries to go along with 55 yards which isn’t eye-popping. On a crucial third and one late in the game Dillon appeared to trip and failed to pick it up. As a power back, many expect him to be able to gain that one yard?

Offensive Line Must Help Out

Packers Center Josh Myers had a 37.5 PFF grade last week vs the Bears

Should be fun for him trying to block Grady Jarrett & David Onyemata this week pic.twitter.com/577CpIptV5
— London/Ebiketie Breakout ‘23 (@DiehardFalcFan) September 15, 2023

The key to success in the run game starts with the trenches. If the big boys up front can hold it down then chances are you can run the ball successfully. The Packers offensive line hasn’t exactly done that to start the season. While some players have got beaten and other have missed their man on pull blocks, it doesn’t mean that they’ve been awful.

It also doesn’t help that David Bahktiari is dealing with an injury and Elgton Jenkins will be sidelined for weeks to come. Without their top two linemen, they must find a way to continue to make things work. Improved run blocking and run fits can definitely help AJ Dillon find his groove again and get back on track.

Riding It Out

It just needs to be said, AJ Dillon has “Bad Feet”, tripping over himself consistently in important yardage situations pic.twitter.com/dlXJnuskNf
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) September 17, 2023

Yes, it’s frustrating seeing a player of Dillon’s caliber not be able to perform of what he’s capable of. Fans have seen in the past what the former second round pick could do and the difference he can make alongside Aaron Jones. Sometimes when a player starts off slow like this, the best thing could be is to ride it out.

Allowing the team to make adjustments and scheming up certain plays could be beneficial for Dillon and is something the Packers could consider. After all, he is a power back and shouldn’t have to carry the exact duties that Jones holds.

Other Options

Pancake for Zach Tom. Samori Toure, Luke Musgrave, Patrick Taylor out front. https://t.co/djwsxsjnis
— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) September 17, 2023

If the Packers want to look at other options, the in-house options would be Emanuel Wilson and Patrick Taylor. Taylor would be a very interesting option as he’s been around long enough and has showed promise and potential in the snaps he’s gotten. Wilson on the other hand was the preseason standout but hasn’t played many offensive snaps to start this season.

Green Bay could give both of them extensive looks if they want to see if either could provide more of a spark behind Aaron Jones. A trade wouldn’t seem very likely but is never off the table as the Packers did have interest in Jonathan Taylor. It’ll be interesting to see where AJ Dillon trends but he has a bounce back opportunity against the New Orleans Saints come Sunday.

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Javier Delgado is a lifelong Packers fan who is currently majoring in sports journalism at Arizona State University. He writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @javierrdelgadoo.

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