Cheesehead
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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GREEN BAY – Two first downs and this game is over.
With the Packers clinging to a 21-16 lead over Minnesota during Sunday’s home opener at Lambeau Field, Aaron Rodgers and David Bakhtiari relayed that straightforward message to the other nine players in the huddle as Green Bay’s offense retook the field with 3 minutes, 14 seconds remaining.
Running back Aaron Jones, in midst of his busiest day in a Packers uniform, heard his QB and left tackle loud and clear.
“Aaron came in the huddle and said it and ‘Bak’ came in the huddle and said it,” Jones said. “And all the guys in the huddle just told me to protect the ball and just stay in bounds.”
The third-year running back broke a 13-yard run on second-and-7 and then brought the clock down to the two-minute warning with a 4-yard pickup on the next play.
And when the Vikings crept up to stop the run after the break, Rodgers rolled out and connected with receiver Davante Adams for seven yards on second-and-6, gaining the necessary first down to practically close out the victory.
The successful four-minute offense was a reflection of Jones’ effectiveness throughout Sunday’s game against the Vikings.
The 5-foot-9, 208-pound back rushed a career-high 23 times for 116 yards and a touchdown despite not having a carry of more than 15 yards. He also was the Packers’ second-leading catcher with four receptions for 34 yards.
“We were efficient. Our goal is four yards per carry and I think we achieved that,” Jones said. “It’s just a testament to how hard those guys worked (up front) and a testament to Minnesota’s defense. They’re always in the right spot. You get to the second level, you make the linebacker miss and boom there’s a safety.”