Aaron Jones Highlights Well-Rounded Packers Backfield Heading Into 2018
For the first time in several years, the running back position could qualify as one of the strongest on the Packers' roster heading into a new season.
By TimBackes
One thing Packers fans have to look forward to this year that they haven’t had in a few years (since before Eddie Lacy essentially ate himself out of Green Bay, at least) is a strong running game.
The benefits of having an effective running game (with three capable backs) are obvious—it takes a lot less pressure off Aaron Rodgers and his receivers, and gives the Packers the ability to control the clock and wear down a defense.
Last year, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams each got their fair share of time in the spotlight with Ty Montgomery missing lots of time, and both had impressive moments.
Williams displayed a lot of toughness, constantly falling forward and routinely breaking tackles and fighting for extra yards.
But it’s Jones occasionally looked like something special and will have the eye of Packers fans everywhere—a true playmaker with outstanding cutback instincts. His running style was often reminiscent of a more explosive Ryan Grant; hit the hole, make a cut, run to daylight. Had he not suffered a concussion, he would have gotten significantly more time as the Packers’ lead back.
Jones ran 81 times for 448 yards, a rate of 5.5 yards per carry. In total, the Packers’ running backs averaged 4.2 yards per carry throughout 2017, but when you remove Jones’s numbers, that figure drops to 3.6 yards per carry.
Montgomery averaged 3.8, and Williams 3.6.
Here’s a Twitter thread I put together Thursday evening of some of my favorite runs of Jones’s throughout 2017. Check it out and you’ll see just a taste of the kind of difference making player Jones can be for the Packers if he stays healthy.
#Packers have a lot to be excited about with the running game in 2018, especially with @Showtyme_33 Aaron Jones. Here are some of my favorite runs of his from this past year.
— Tim Backes (@timbackes) March 29, 2018
With Jones as a lead back and playmaker, Williams as a grind-it-out complement and Montgomery as a guy who can play all over the field, the Packers are very well set in the backfield heading into next season.
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Tim Backes is a lifelong Packer fan and a contributor to CheeseheadTV. Follow him on Twitter @timbackes for his Packer takes, random musings and Untappd beer check-ins.
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Comments (76)
NickPerry
March 30, 2018 at 06:55 am
I almost forgot the number of nice runs Jones had last year until i watched the Twitter Clip.
For the first time in years I actually see the Packers running game as a weapon capable of a game changing play at any time. Lacy was strong for a few years but he was more of the 3-5 yards and a cloud of dust. Jones just has the ability to leave defenders in the dust. The kid see's the cutback lane, makes his decision and just go's.
Williams scared me a bit at first..He seemed to just run up the backsides of his O-Linemen early in the year. But by the end of the season he was doing EXACTLY what he was said to be able to do before the draft. They said he'd grind out tough yards and always fell forward. Williams did grind and does fall forward. They compliment each other well (Jones & Williams).
I still love Monty and feel he can contribute a LOT to the offense. I was surprised he didn't hold up a little better but I'd like to see him back down around 210 and be the Packers version of a Deon Lewis/James White type for the Packers. Line him up anywhere and everywhere and let him do his thing.
I'd like to see them add one more RB in the draft, maybe in the 6th or 7th round and let him battle with Mays for a spot. I'm not high on Mays, not even a little.
RCPackerFan
March 30, 2018 at 06:56 am
I agree completely..
"I'd like to see them add one more RB in the draft, maybe in the 6th or 7th round and let him battle with Mays for a spot. I'm not high on Mays, not even a little."
Honestly, I would be ok with them drafting one in the 4th-7th round. While they have Williams, Jones & Montgomery we have seen that RB's have a hard time staying healthy for a full 16 games. We have no clue what we have in Mays. He may never be anything. I would rather have the insurance.
RobinsonDavis
March 30, 2018 at 01:09 pm
6 or 7th round - I am Ok with drafting an RB here. But IMO, we kept too many on the 53-man roster last year and they barely used Rip.
dobber
March 30, 2018 at 07:14 am
Jones is an explosive piece. I love to watch him play. I don't think he's ever going to be a tough yards kind of back, and I think we'll see him have a lot of games where you read his line and his carries go for 2, 0, -1, 3, 1, 22. That's still close to 5 ypc. I'm not calling him Barry Sanders (who had lots of games like that: 20 carries for 135 yards, but two carries net 70 of them), but there have been a lot of great backs whose careers read that way.
"They said he'd grind out tough yards and always fell forward. Williams did grind and does fall forward."
Grind is the appropriated word: Williams is a grinder. I see a serviceable back, but nothing really special there. To me, his upside is in the fact that he can block and he can catch the ball. He's versatile, but if he ends up being your #1, he's always someone you're going to look at and say, "we could improve there".
Bearmeat
March 30, 2018 at 10:36 am
Agreed on all points. I'm excited about our RB room this year.
That said, I'd love to replace Cobb with Maclin or Monty and grab a 4th RB late in the draft.
Minniman
March 30, 2018 at 03:06 pm
If last year proved one thing, its that consistent depth at running back is critical. Sure its great to have a single stud RB on the roster, but the position is so brutal that injuries are inevitable, making consistent depth even more of an asset than individual brilliance.
This year's draft is again reportedly strong at RB, so a very good point Nick, bring another middle round and/or later round pick into the fold
RCPackerFan
March 30, 2018 at 06:53 am
Jones can be special!
The one thing that really stands out to to me is his vision. He is able to find the holes, make the cut and explode through. The one play that really stands out is in the Tampa game. Jones was coming off of an injury so he didn't play all game. Williams was the workhorse that day. Williams had 21 carries for 113 yards. His best game as a Packer. Then in OT, Williams helps get the Packers to the 20 yard line. Jones comes in gets one carry, cuts completely back, finds a lane and runs in for a TD.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZiXCHiAc5I
The even more impressive part of Jones game is that he did it mostly without Rodgers as the QB, and a QB in Hundley who really struggled.
Most people want to bring up that the Vikings have Cook and that they will be getting him back. Yeah Cook is good, but he is returning from a torn acl. And As good as Cook was, Jones was better.
Cook played in 4 games. He had 74 carries for 354 yards, 4.8 yards per carry and 2 TD's.
Jones played in 12 games. He had 81 carries for 448 yards, 5.5 yards per carry and 4 TD's.
I can't wait to see what Jones does in year 2.
Also I can't wait to see Williams in year 2.
Add in I can't wait to see how they plan on using Montgomery. He could be a true x factor for our offense.
Jones and Williams form a really good 1-2 punch. Montgomery provides a really good change of pace type of player and a guy that can do so many different things.
This is going to be an exciting offense to watch.
dobber
March 30, 2018 at 07:14 am
They just need to convince #12 to use those tools.
RCPackerFan
March 30, 2018 at 07:20 am
I have a feeling with the way they are redoing the play book we will see the RB's a lot more involved in the offense. Both the passing game as well as the running game.
kevgk
March 30, 2018 at 11:32 am
Jones' first game was against the cowboys, and Rodgers handed him the ball in the two minute drill with the game on the line. I don't think there needs to be much convincing.
RobinsonDavis
March 30, 2018 at 01:02 pm
Jones IS special. Let's just hope the Packer brass doesn't over-think this! He needs to get the ball more. The only thing I see holding him back though has been his pass-blocking & blitz pick-up. This is the same issue Ty had, and teams (especially the Vikings) took advantage of it a couple of years ago. Conversely, Williams is apparently better in regards to pass blocking, and he seems very fluid catching the ball. Don't forget Montgomery had a gaudy 5.2 average two years ago as well, but played hurt much of last year when he was on the field.
This should be an interesting year for the RBs if we can find some help on the right side of the line!
sonomaca
March 30, 2018 at 06:54 am
Remember Jones was arrested for driving under influence of marijuana. There’s a bit of a risk with that. I’d draft one more RB, just to be on safe side.
dobber
March 30, 2018 at 07:16 am
"Remember Jones was arrested for driving under influence of marijuana."
Who hasn't, anymore?
Is there a hyperbole emoji?
stockholder
March 30, 2018 at 07:47 am
Sonomaca I agree. This group still is an injury here, and a non- start there. There up and down. Even monty was hurt. Which opened the door. The committee at Rb worked well last year. But I agree we need to take another RB to push these guys more. Crazy things happen in the NFL. Not one of these guys may make that jump to be a game changer.
4thand1
March 30, 2018 at 08:41 am
They need to legalize pot. No more suhspensions and the game would slow down and reduce concussions, lol.
sonomaca
March 30, 2018 at 10:01 am
Uh, this isn’t about pot. It’s about driving 78 mph in a 55 mph zone under-the-influence.
dobber
March 30, 2018 at 10:17 am
Players know the league has a heavy hand with regard to conduct. They know if they do something like this, they're likely going to get punched by the league for it. It's about common sense and dedication. Any time players do things like this, it calls both of those into question.
Finwiz
March 30, 2018 at 10:17 am
No they don't.
It's a drug that pollutes the mind and makes people lazy.
We need productive people, not lazy people.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 02:01 pm
Medical science and over half of the states disagree with you.
Finwiz
March 30, 2018 at 02:16 pm
So I presume you're a dope smoker? That would explain quite a bit.
You know what they call marijuana smokers right? Dopes.
The description is quite appropriate.
Nothing good comes from smoking dope.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 02:32 pm
I recall that you have claimed to be some big partner at an accounting firm. Your clients must be thrilled that you spend your days commenting on CHTV instead of servicing their accounts.
Finwiz
March 30, 2018 at 10:51 pm
The same supposed offensive comment that had your panties all in a wad, was used verbatim by a reg poster here a couple days ago. Nary a notice by anyone. I’m sure you’d have been offended had you seen it. The hypocrisy would have been notable.
Dope smoking makes you paranoid and overly sensitive to criticism. Might be best to back away from the bong for a couple of days. LOL
People have opinions, positive and negative regarding the Packers. Better get used to it.
WKUPackFan
March 31, 2018 at 04:58 am
Actually it was noticed by a lot of people including Jersey Al. That is what prompted Jersey Al's comment warning against the posting of any type of slurs. You did not miss that, you are simply ignoring it.
Being offended has nothing to do with it. It is a matter of human decency, something you lack.
Answer the question about your accounting credentials.
Cartwright
April 01, 2018 at 04:47 am
If you don't know what your talking about you shouldn't be flapping your gums. We don't need the second coming of Harry Arnslinger commenting here on matters that have no relevance to Packer football. You occasionally have astute observations about the game but when it comes to cannabis leave that landmine alone. Better to remain silent and ignorant than to to blog some hogwash and remove all doubt. FYI, tobacco kills over 450,000 thousand Americans a year and alcohol number 2. An overdose death on marijuana has yet to be recorded. If you want to hurl an insult, which seems your style, be my guest, but it would only prove my point. However, as a fellow Packer fan I still wish you well. Happy Easter.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 10:10 pm
Just for you WKU... (I think you're in double digit wrongs for the day)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2352695/Smoking-cannabis-reall...
TJ Coon
March 30, 2018 at 09:30 am
Right! Obvious gateway drug! Next thing you know Jones will be smoking crack! Cut him now!
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:21 am
Hey Coon breath... you talk like a sausage!!! Let’s legalize pot in certain states and not others... stoopid people make stoopid decisions, mostly!!! Right now, the highest population of pot smokers are the elderly!!! They know!!! They’ve been there!!! Driving drunk is much safer than driving with a buzz? Apparently red necks believe that!!! Oh, that’s right, alcohol is legal... no problem there!!! Let’s cut everyone who’s ever had a drink... sound good?
stockholder
March 30, 2018 at 02:16 pm
Taking it to the extreme. They know? It's jail time! (Why send some kid to jail? ) It's a suckers Game. Players that use; Don't believe in right from wrong. Rules are rules until you change them. Being Responsible for your own actions, makes you a better person when given a choice. It's a Drug. Plain and simple. Medical, or Mental.
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 02:48 pm
Stock, While I personally don’t smoke pot, I used to in my youth quite a LOT!!! I survived and thrived. (?) What I don’t understand is when these players KNOW that they will be randomly tested for drugs, many more than just pot, they think they won’t get caught with a positive test!!! I sold drugs of abuse testing for a laboratory and the tests are infallible!!! Why ruin a career and a life for the temporary HIGH befuddles me... treatment only works if a person wants it to, not because it’s required! Just sayin’...
stockholder
March 30, 2018 at 03:14 pm
Glad you grew up. My parents taught me better. I never wanted to disappoint them. I saw a lot growing up. Drug dealers and users. They know, No shame. I didn't have to go to Viet nam to get shot at. Lucky me. I had parents that cared.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 07:17 am
Love, love, love Aaron Jones. Injuries are the only thing derailing that star train. Well, that, or puffing the magic dragon.
He was a surprising non factor in the pass game. I thought that would be a spot he'd hit many home runs. Hopefully, he is better integrated this season going in as the starter I would hope. His likely one game suspension for the Columbian Maple Leaf may wrench that.
RCPackerFan
March 30, 2018 at 07:46 am
I don't know why but when they tried running screen passes to him, the plays failed more times then not.
Jones has great hands and could really be a big time weapon as a pass catcher. I expect to see more from him in the passing game this year.
stockholder
March 30, 2018 at 07:50 am
No speed at Guard and Tackle. This will change.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 08:28 am
John, You're going to need a much hotter take than that to fulfill your need to stir up controversy. Cute comments about marijuana usage went stale about five years ago.
Perhaps call your buddy Gil Brandt for his opinion? Maybe go drive those streets of Green Bay that you claim were empty the night of the Super Bowl victory for some inspiration?
By the way, TT drafted Jones. Not bad for a person who you have emphatically stated suffers from Alzheimer's.
blue eyes
March 30, 2018 at 09:38 am
TT did draft a few high impact players during his time as gm. But a broken clock is also right twice a day. If it wasn't for Rodgers Ted would've been sent packing years ago.
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:25 am
WKU... you are a bitter person!!! Lighten up!!! It seems as if you pop up periodically to annoy... take a drag, relax and enjoy the ride, buddy!!!
Colin_C
March 30, 2018 at 11:28 am
I don't agree with John on everything, but you're the one here trying to stir up controversy. No need to make trouble.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 01:26 pm
It is unfortunate that you feel that way. Pointing out the inconsistencies posted by someone who attempts to stir up controversy on a daily basis does not constitute stirring up controversy.
It is further unfortunate that you ever agree with Kirk. As stated in an earlier comment, any agreement with Kirk is an endorsement of his hate filled agenda, which includes his unfounded claims regarding TT. I'm assuming that you are a better person than that.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 06:56 pm
There is no hate agenda from me even for a critic like yourself.
There are no inconsistencies. I do think there has been and is something very wrong with Ted. You explain his lack of appearance in Mobile for the Senior Bowl and in Indy for the combine. Why did John Schneider cry when speaking about Ted and his absence there?
Would you like to have some honest flame retardant dialog about Ted and his health? We can talk about the McGinn piece, too, while you're answering why Ted wasn't at the two biggest places you would find scouts, if he really stepped down to go be a scout to do what he loved.
The reality is a guy like you buys the company line and needs to believe it for some bizarre reason to feel okay. I don't. Ted was clearly not okay for quite some time. If you didn't notice that's not on me...that's on you and your personal aversion to looking closely enough or with your avoidance issues altogether of this issue. Do you think I made up my feelings about Ted and his health? No. It was based solely on what I saw and then the McGinn piece and the cover story from Mark Murphy was floated to stop Ted talk and that was bought by a lot of fans for some reason. Again, just answer a few of my questions like I have done for you. I'll go all day and night with you. Just keep the questions coming.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 08:57 pm
Multiple citations to McGinn tells us all we need to know. McGinn's vendetta against the Packers is well known. He swims in the same sea of innuendo as you.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 09:19 pm
This is your reply? So, you have nothing but more aspersions to cast on people or sources you don't like? How can you intellectually keep going like you are? Aren't you embarrassed? I would be if I did what you've done here today. You've made a fool of yourself and there's no end in sight. Again, why? What's it all for?
Would love to have some intelligent discourse with you. Can you hang in that environment? Where was Ted in Mobile or Indy? Why wasn't he there? Why did Schneider cry when asked about Ted's absence? Do you think that just maybe there is something wrong with Ted. Grown men usually don't cry when asked about a colleague and friend being absent from a work event unless there's a major issue there for the friend being talked about. You can put those pieces together but you choose not to because you've dug the hole so deep you can't stop digging now. For your sake, I hope you do, but you won't. You don't have what Oppy has to admit truth. I hope you can find it one day. You owe me multiple apologies that I'll never get.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 09:31 pm
Perhaps you should ask yourself why you're so invested in your theory about TT.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 09:38 pm
I can do that publicly for you. I'm invested in it because it aligns with common sense based on what I've witnessed personally in his pressers and interviews.
Nice volley back to me without having to answer a single question. The trail of circumstantial evidence aligns nicely with my "theory". It does not with yours but you can still hold on to your theory, I just wouldn't be dogmatic as you are that the issue is on my end here.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 09:51 pm
That's a circular answer. You're invested because you believe it to be common sense.
I'll give you the real answer (it was a trick question). You're invested because it fits your narrative that TT was a poor GM. It further fits your narratives of a Murphy power play and that Gutenkunst is "weak".
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 09:59 pm
Oh, boy... I think MM is a poor HC. Do you see me questioning his health? You think you know things you couldn't possibly know. Trick question? Do you know how many things you've gotten wrong just today, alone? It's staggering the amount of unsubstantiated bombast you've tossed out just in the last couple of hours.
Ted's health has nothing to do with...
How I felt about him as GM
How I feel about Mark Murphy
Why I think Brian is weak
Please, explain how it does since you made yet another baseless and crazy allegation.
Let's ask for the x amount of times why you are doing what you're doing in reference to me? Is there an answer?
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 01:16 pm
Thanks, WKU. You know I look to you for life advice.
The streets were empty. I was there. Were you?
Not sure what your obsession is with me but I find it flattering and disappointing all at the same time.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 01:32 pm
Your attempts at deflection are ineffective on me. For example, responding to one point (the streets of Green Bay), while ignoring the other (your imaginary relationship with Mr. Brandt).
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 06:31 pm
You want proof I worked with Gil Brandt? Not the first time this has been asked of me on a Packers forum. Go find "Zig Fracassi" on Twitter. He is a host at NFL on SIriusXM. OR...Ask Scott Wetzel over there on MadDogSportsRadio in NY at Sirius XM. I used to hang with him when we worked in Chicago for Sporting News Radio. We watched the Ravens Giants SB in his living room with our kids. His wife and my wife were buds. Or... Ask Chris Russell (Russo) at Russellmania621. Chris, Scott Wetzel and our families spent Christmas eve together at his apartment when we all worked for Sporting News Radio. Or...better yet, just tweet to Gil Brandt himself. I worked with Gil at SportsFan Radio network in Vegas and also at Sporting News Radio in Chicago. It's pretty sad that you are so small that you can't believe someone could have possibly done what I did in broadcasting. I did it.. and guy like you who likes to mock me is a very very funny thing to me. Go ask about me...I'll give you my real name if you want to email back and forth. You just let me know and maybe you can start to treat me like a human being or you could just shrink back internet keyboard warrior.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 08:51 pm
I did not ask if you worked with him. I asked about your claim of having "daily conversations" with him, specifically the time frame of those conversations. Again, deflection is not going to work.
Any long time sports talk listener can list the names and locations you have above. A simple Google search reveals the same information. Throw in a couple of flowery tales about Christmas Eve and game watching and, presto, you have what on the surface appears to be a detailed account.
No mistreatment was administered. A question was asked about an improbable and illogical claim. Nice job of trying to play the victim.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 09:09 pm
What do you think an insider does for a network? Can you answer that? I don't think you can because by your questioning I see that you don't.
Gil was paid to provide football information to the networks I worked for and that he did. He was the one who namelessly broke the Tony Dungy is getting hired as the HC of the Colts. He broke that news to me, personally, as he'd just had a conversation with Tony. So, I was one of the first people in the country to know this info and knew it before it was made public. SNR broke this news...Gil didn't want us to break it because of the confidential nature of it and it became a big internal issue that I won't get into here. Gil called me on New Years Eve one year from a place in Montana checking in with info. The guy provided me, personally, with incredible amounts of information on a daily basis throughout the regular season and also throughout the off season. I used to call him every year at draft time and thank him for all he did for me. You can choose to believe I had no relationship with Gil all you'd like. I lived it. Why are you so angry about what I used to do for a living? I hardly lord it over you or anyone else. It'd be easier for me if I hadn't done what I did. You're not the only guy to question me over the years.
It's hysterical that you think I "googled" the information I provided. I could tell you all kinds of Gil stories...the "I must be speaking Chinese" story is one of my most cherished memories of Gil. Get me, Nick the Greek and Ryan Lindsay together and we'd laugh. Old Ryan was a guy I worked with there at Sports Fan Radio Network...he was there for that tongue lashing. Ryan went on to build Colin Cowherd into the ESPN sensation he became. WIthin the last couple of weeks I had a private twitter convo with Russell Baxter who was the NFL research analyst for ESPN for 22 years. Go look at his twitter. He asked me to DM him. I did...and we talked about Colin. Am I bragging? Nope. Just stuff that happens once in awhile in my life still today. I was blessed to do what I did for as long as I did it and, again, it makes me smile that a guy on the internet is so upset about it.
Finwiz
March 30, 2018 at 02:13 pm
Just ignore him....mother didn't give him enough attention as a child. Anyone that disagree's with him, he will verbally chastise and vent anger from repressed emotions. (no I'm not a psychologist, but I'm available to play one on TV)
Don't take it personally. Unfortunately, this site doesn't have an ignore button, like many others.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 03:19 pm
Tell us more about your opinions regarding the LGBT community and African-Americans. Or maybe you are going to deny that on March 1 you used a homophobic slur in referring to TT and further said that all homosexual are deviants.
Any such denial would be a mistake on your part. I have a screenshot of said comment.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 06:46 pm
Who are you referring to?
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 09:00 pm
You know who it is. You warned him to edit the post or risk being banned. You also complained about another post of yours being deleted when the series of comments containing the term was deleted.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 09:14 pm
I remember asking more than one person to edit a post here for it's inflammatory content. I do recall my post being deleted and Al saying that when the offending comment went away so did my post in reply. I was upset about that but was fine after getting Al's reasoning.
Why are you like you are? That's a fair question that I think deserves an answer for as much as you've attacked me. I think irony is lost on you claiming that I'm an attacker. You might want to look in the mirror on that. I honestly don't understand what your objective is with me? You want to discredit me based on your total lack of knowledge or ability to do so?
WKUPackFan
March 31, 2018 at 05:39 am
You just cannot bring yourself to admit that it was your buddy Finwiz. One more time, the series of events:
1) On March 1, at 10:19am, in a comment on the article G.M. Brian Gutenkunst Wants To Be Really Aggressive In Free Agency article, Finwiz stated that TT is a "f****t" and that TT's homosexuality was the reason for his alleged failures. Finwiz then went on to state that all homosexuals are deviants. Finwiz then tried to use his Catholic faith to justify these slurs.
2) You replied to Finwiz, not to condemn his use of said slurs, but to warn him to edit his comment.
3) The comment string was removed. You complained about that.
You wish to join in with an admitted homophobe and racist? That's on you. Decent people are going to call that out.
John Ramble Kirk
March 31, 2018 at 02:08 pm
You have spun my urging of that comment into my complicit nature in it?
You make bigger jumps than Evil Kneivel ever did.
I don't like hate speech of any kind just so you know, not that you'd ever believe that.
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 02:23 pm
Kirk - While you're giving us the time frame of those "daily conversations" you had with Mr. Brandt, how about elaborating on that amazing coincidence of being with your alleged AP award winning friend at the exact same time that he supposedly received the email about Favre's conduct? Or the identity of the imaginary "Chicago media member" who was feeding you information about the Fuller situation?
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 06:43 pm
Very easy. Jim Litke of the AP co-hosted with Jay Mariotti at Sporting News Radio in Chicago. In fact, in our neat little circle back then Jay and Jim went to the Olympics in Salt Lake. I still have the gifts they brought back from there for me. You want time frame? I was in Chicago from 2000-2002. Gil worked as an insider during that time.
I worked in the same room with Cliff Saunders whom you can find on twitter. Cliff worked with Gary Ellerson for awhile and is now down in Houston covering the Astros. Also, Nick Pavlatos is the DIrector of NFL programming for SiriusXM. Me and Nick the Greek worked at Sports Fan and Sporting News Radio together. Oh, and Doug Russell was one of the update guys when I was there at SNR. Doug is now with WTMJ. I could go on and on and on.
What else would you like to know?
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 09:24 pm
So far all I know is that you can throw out six names that, again, any sports radio listener or Google searcher can. I am fairly certain that there is nothing left to learn.
John Ramble Kirk
March 30, 2018 at 09:50 pm
EDIT: Go to the SportsFan Alum page on FB or the I worked at One on One Sports Page...you'll find me in both places. BTW, One on One was bought by Vulcan Ventures (Paul Allen) and became Sporting News Radio. Get to researching.
What proof do you need? Obviously, there is nothing I could ever type that would convince you. You move the goal posts with each charge you make against me. A true attacker you are. You want more names? Reach out to "E"...Elizabeth Malia Calhoun. James Brown's personal assistant. Ask her about "better than Reggie" ... JB and I used to pray in the morning at work when I was one of the few people in the building at that early hour. Ask Elizabeth about the interview with Clarence Clemons...that I set up so JB could jam on the sax with him...but he was too modest to do so. I could go all night with stories. All true. You'd just claim I googled them. That's rich. You couldn't google the info I provided you. Reach out to Mariotti and ask him if he's been chased by any fire extinguishers lately? I was there the last time he was in a crazy scene. Just broadcast life, brother.
I told you what to do...Do it. I know you're afraid to learn that the guy you've been hammering since he arrived here has been nothing but honest and straight forward since I got here...and if I have erred, I have quickly acknowledged and or apologized for the error.
Hoping things go better in your world so you don't need to demonize someone on CHTV who has never done a single thing to you. I feel for you. I honestly do. A lot of hate inside of you. Get in touch with Gil, Zig, Scott, Nick, Cliff, Doug...pick one. I know all of them and they all know me. Colleagues for life. Many of us went through 9/11 together...a bond that will never be broken...
Again, I'll ask...Why the hate? What is your aim?
EdsLaces
March 30, 2018 at 08:09 am
Williams is the more well rounded back. Jones definitely flashes, but slow and steady wins the race.
Fire_Gute
March 30, 2018 at 11:10 am
In the tortoise and the hare fairytale yes, in the NFL not so much. If slow and steady won the race, Atlanta wouldn't have ran circles around us with their speed.
kevgk
March 30, 2018 at 11:36 am
I totally agree. He is so much more dependable. Jones has some real playmaking ability but I could imagine him being easier to beat with good run defense linebackers, where williams can power through them just the same for 3 yards almost guaranteed. Play making isnt as consistent as being a big hard runner.
TimBackes
March 30, 2018 at 03:44 pm
Definitely disagree with this. Just look at the YPC numbers I included in this very post. I'l take jones's over williams' any day.
4thand1
March 30, 2018 at 08:46 am
Screen passes failed with Hundley because nobody worried about deep passes down field. With AR it's going to be a whole different ballgame. AR always lobbied for a running, now he has one. Get a real deep threat and with play action, screens, and a real running game...............look out, it'll be fun. Philbin has got to be licking his chops.
EdsLaces
March 30, 2018 at 10:13 am
Licking his chops at some of the day 2 wrs...we are gonna steal us a deep threat .
Colin_C
March 30, 2018 at 11:27 am
Jones was a pleasant surprise from last years draft class for me! I think we'll finally have a solid RB core going forward, but it wouldn't hurt to add one more RB later in the draft. Watching film last year, I really liked two backs. Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara. This year, John Kelly is my guy. He's essentially a combination of Jones and Williams into one player. A lot of teams are gonna regret passing on him, since he probably won't go until rounds 3-4. Watching his film, I was reminded so much of Marshawn Lynch.
TJ Coon
March 30, 2018 at 09:40 am
I'm hoping they take his old buddy from his alma mater. I believe his name is Will Hernandez and the man is a beast. Can you imagine?
My wife's a teacher who graduated from USF which is in the same conference and I've had the opportunity to watch Jones run behind that big monster. It would be nice to Shore up that offensive line with that pick and get a solid guard for years to . drooling like Homer Simpson at this very moment.
UCF has some solid players that's for sure don't forget about the linebacker Shaquem Griffin! I can see him going late 3rd. Hernandez mid second.
stockholder
March 30, 2018 at 10:00 pm
Jeff Janis made a mistake. Point Blank: Play me or trade me! The money catches everyone. He was to good of kid for this team. I 'll wait my turn. Horse shit! He shouldn't have had to wait for anyone. He should have broken every team rule to get out of green Bay. Jeff's stay was to long for some. It was easy to see why. The Arizona game put him in the driver's seat. The packers won't look bad because TT drafted him. jeff Janis must do what he loved to do. Play football, and not sit the bench.
4thand10
March 30, 2018 at 10:50 pm
I have been more in the Williams camp. He had a rough start, but once he got healthy and rolling he was just getting better and better. Not a lot of people were crazy about Edgar Bennett either when he played. But he was reliable, consistent. Seemed like no matter the defense, stacked box or not....he would get at least 3 yards . Which doesn't sound like much ...but when you have a running back that can consistently put your team in 3rd and short situations... they just seem to see the field more.
I could be wrong but Williams seems to have that consistency. Jones breaks off some really nice runs occasionally.... But when the Packers were in a situation last year were teams KNEW we were going to be running the ball 70% of the entire game due to having Hundley in there....I was more confident in Williams grinding it out rather than Jones.
Exhibit A....Chicago game. Williams carrying the load in a division game.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tHgB3Jea_Qo#
But in today's NFL, multiple Running back committee's are used on most teams. Unless you have an Ezekiel Elliott type special player of course. Jones adds an explosive element to the Packers rushing attack, but he has a lot more to prove including staying healthy...to be put into a "star" category IMHO.
4thand10
March 30, 2018 at 11:15 pm
Personally, if I were Gute, I would be damn tempted to trade the entire house for Sequan Barkley. If that kid turns out to be as good as some analysts say he is....like Barry Sanders type special. Can you imagine him AND Rodgers? The opportunity to have Rodgers final years as a dynasty.... Because Barkley would be on a rookie deal still... I would be tempted. Then just role with another FA corner , low draft pick rookie corners and say "Hello 2018" . These are rhetorical questions, but what would other defenses have to think about with Barkley, Graham and Rodgers? Do they play 8 in the box to stop Barkley ?How many hybrid safeties / LBs to cover Graham? I think it would give defensive coordinators nightmares. I think Green Bay is in super-bowl-now mode. When you have head honcho firings and big FA signings that's usually a sign of that. So might as well go all the way right?
Samson
March 31, 2018 at 12:57 am
I'm not sure Ezekiel Elliott could thrive in GB with AR & MM basically calling the shots. How many times in the past few seasons have you seen MM abandon the run for no obvious reason.
GB's "O" is driven by the pass. That's a hard habit to break.
4thand10
March 31, 2018 at 09:37 am
Your right.. At 3rd and 2...he'd call a chuck it 20 yards down the field play :-)
Oppy
April 01, 2018 at 01:39 pm
To be sure, devante mays flubbed his handful of snaps in 2017, but make no mistake- Rodgers and various coaches told media they think they got a real steal of a player with th mays.
I would not write him off. He opened eyes and gained big respect from his team mates early in the season behind closed doors. We may have a fully stocked RB room, people.
4thand10
April 01, 2018 at 10:54 pm
I hope that is the case, I know other members in here were pretty high on Mays.