Packers played 'physical football' in season's biggest win to date

[Cheesehead]

The swarming, the energy, the cheering each other on all played into a physical brand of defense that gives the Packers a new standard as the season's stakes get higher.


On offense, the standard has been pretty high most of the season, but another option in the running game is, at a minimum, intriguing.


Rookie back AJ Dillon introduced himself to the NFL world with a 21-carry, 124-yard, two-TD performance with Jamaal Williams sidelined due to a quad injury. The 247-pound second-round draft pick looked like he was born to run in the December snow at Lambeau Field.


In the meantime, Aaron Jones went over 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season – the first Packers running back to do that since Eddie Lacy in 2013-14 – and the injury to Williams isn't expected to be long-term.


There's only one football to hand off at a time, but right now LaFleur just appreciates the plug-and-play aspect taking root with the ground game. While certain backs may run certain plays more effectively, there isn't a wholesale scheme change when the ball carriers sub in and out.


"Just the confidence to be able to not worry about who's in there at the running back position, that's big-time," LaFleur said. "To be able to have somebody right there that you can throw in and not change your thoughts … you can just go attack. It's a great luxury to have."