Aaron Jones Could Be Fantasy Football Breakout If More Involved in Packers' Passing Game
By Zach Brunner | Jun 28 2019
The Green Bay Packers hired the offensive-minded Matt LaFleur to be the team's new head coach, after the offense went stale over the previous few seasons under now-former head coach Mike McCarthy. LaFleur promised to bring new life into this talented unit, which should now involve getting the running backs more touches in the passing game.
And, if that's the case, that should be really good news for Aaron Jones and his fantasy football owners.
LaFleur wants RBs involved in passing game https://t.co/mIWdC3DBRP
— Rotoworld Football (@Rotoworld_FB) June 27, 2019
Last season, the Packers' backfield finished 24th in total receptions, and the target share was 17 percent below the league average. LaFleur, while with the Tennessee Titans last season, had Dion Lewis lead their backfield in receptions, with 59 for 400 yards. For context, Jamaal Williams led Packers' running backs with 27 catches. Jones added another 26, but the Pack's top-two backs didn't even combine to match Lewis' output in Tennessee.
With Aaron Rodgers the last 3 yrs:
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 27, 2019
No team called passes at a higher rate than GB (66%)
But no team threw fewer passes to RBs than GB (15.9%)
If LaFleur adds more RB-passes it would be tremendous. Two of the NFL's best QBs (Brady, Brees) led the NFL in RB-target rate last yr. https://t.co/VhZYuzry9M
LaFleur's desire and ability to use running backs as receivers out of the backfield should benefit Jones the most. Adding upwards of 20 touches in the passing game should be a huge upgrade for Jones as he'll have more opportunities to make splash plays in space, where he is most electric.
With a current average draft position ranging from RB15-RB17, depending on the format, Jones could be in line for a true breakout season in 2019.
172 yards from scrimmage on 18 touches.
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2018
And two @packers touchdowns!
Aaron Jones (@Showtyme_33) continues to impress! ??? #MIAvsGB #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/yRHCyLOrVc
Despite the inexperience the Packers' running backs have in the passing game, it's good to see that LaFleur plans to change things up, which will undoubtedly make the Green Bay offense more fantasy friendly this coming season.
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