Despite his unimpressive rushing average (3.6 per carry) and despite Aaron Jones’ bonkers rushing average (5.6 per carry), the Green Bay Packers are sticking with Jamaal Williams.
Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that this week. Williams will remain the lead back.
“Jamaal is in the front seat; he’s earned it,” McCarthy said. “And Aaron’s done an outstanding job with his opportunities. But they both need to play, they’re both young. They have nothing but good days ahead of him.”
This isn’t totally unexpected. The Packers view Williams’ as a better three-down option, meaning he’s more trusted in pass protection.
It isn’t that Williams hasn’t done some good things. There was the 113-yard game against the Buccaneers. He has 22 receptions for 231 yards. He’s scored six touchdowns — four rushing and two receiving.
However, Jones is the big-play threat that Williams isn’t. Jones carried just three times against the Panthers last week and gained 47 yards, which led the Packers in rushing.
It’s hard to argue with the sort of success Jones has had. But then, McCarthy hasn’t actually ever demonstrated the mental acuity to be able to figure out the running game before, has he?
Of course, with Brett Hundley back at quarterback, we’re sure there will be plenty of carries to go around.