Cheese Curds 7/3: Packers hope bigger Aaron Jones means bigger results

Aaron Jones’ body was speaking to him and, entering just his second NFL season, the Green Bay Packers running back listened.

Jones’ emergence was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2017 season for the Packers, but the rookie did miss two games with a knee injury as the wear and tear of the season took its toll.

Jones knew that he’d have to bulk up to have the endurance to play a full sophomore season and hit the weight room during the offseason program. The results showed up during OTAs and Jones knows he has to get better as pass protection, a crucial skill for a Green Bay running back to have.

Improving in that area will help Jones stand out from a crowded backfield. With Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams in the room, Jones will have to combine improved pass pro along with his explosiveness to emerge as the leader of the group though coach Mike McCarthy says the team will use a running back by committee approach.

An offense featuring Jones and Aaron Rodgers is a mouth-watering prospect for Packers fans, and with Jones not just slightly bigger it’s a combination that could push Green Bay’s offense to the next level.

There’s more on the stronger running back plus Mike Daniels wonders what could have been in today’s cheese curds.

Bigger, stronger Aaron Jones looks to be explosive as ever in 2018–Packers.com

Jones was bummed about his knee injury last year, but at least he kept things in perspective. It could have been worse.

Jimmy Garoppolo, Richard Sherman could make 49ers formidable foe for the Packers—PackersNews.com

While Garoppolo may not run all over Green Bay like Colin Kaepernick did, he’s still a gifted quarterback. The 49ers should not be slept on this year with Kyle Shanahan entering his second season. He’s the same guy who destroyed Green Bay in the NFC title game two years ago.

After wasted rookie year, Packers defensive lineman Montravius Adams aims to contribute in year 2–Wisconsin State Journal

The Green Bay defensive line is a strength with Daniels, Kenny Clark and Mo Wilkerson as the core, but if Adams can develop that would be a big benefit for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

Mike Daniels: Aaron Rodgers was having MVP season before injury—Packers Wire

Not to reopen any old wounds but Daniels makes a great point. The Packers are 84-42 in seasons where Rodgers has started at least 15 games. The results speak fkor themselves.

LeBron James is leaving Cleveland but is still building a public school, and his legacy, in Akron—Cleveland.com

Since this is the Week of LeBron, it should be noted that while James will be playing in California his heart will always be in Ohio.