The Las Vegas Raiders host the Green Bay Packers this Monday in front of a national audience. The Packers’ 2-2 record perfectly encapsulates the start to their season overall. It’s been pretty mid. Jordan Love has done a solid job attempting to fill the Hall of Fame-sized shoes of Aaron Rodgers, but the lack of a run game in large thanks to an Aaron Jones injury has done him no favors. Last Sunday’s performance aside, the Raiders’ defense has proven to be the elixir for ailing offenses.
If the Silver and Black have any chance to pick up their second victory, they must hinder a specific Cheesehead.
Aaron Jones.
Aaron Jones Has Had A Quiet Start To The Season
One of the best things about the Packers offense is their backfield. A.J. Dillion is built like Golem from Pokémon and runs with the same mindset, but Aaron Jones is the battery of the unit. He can run with the best of them and is dangerous catching the ball. In an ironic twist, it was on a huge reception for a touchdown in Week 1 that Jones suffered his injury, causing him to miss Weeks 2 and 3.
Jones would return in Week 4, but his workload was minimal. On the year, the former fifth-round pick has just 14 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown.
The Raiders Have Yet To Face A Dynamic RB Like Jones In 2023
Las Vegas’ defense teeters between two extremes: aggressive man blitzes and soft-shell coverages. So far this season, the Raiders are giving up an average of five receptions per game to running backs. These numbers feel a bit skewed due to the Broncos’ 10 of 12 targets underneath in Week 1, but Aaron Jones is just the player to take advantage of this type of coverage.
However, Jones isn’t just a threat in the flats. His 51-yard score in the opening week proves he is still as menacing as he was before receiving a lucrative payday.
If the Raiders want to keep the opposing offense bottled up, they must mix up coverages and get pressure up front. An overreliance on the blitz will leave the suspect backend exposed when Aaron Jones inevitably shakes loose for a big gain.
*Top Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images