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The Green Bay Packers went 8-1 in 2019 in games separated by eight points or less, 9-1 if you include a postseason win over the Seattle Seahawks. With so many close games and such a high success rate therein, the Packers needed — and received — big performances in the clutch from several key players.
This week, Pro Football Focus broke down the NFL’s best clutch players in 2019, based on their grading and production in games separated by eight points or less in the fourth quarter or overtime. Aaron Jones was their pick as the top running back, and thinking back to a few plays in particular helps underscore why.
However, a look at his numbers helps as well. Jones ran the ball 63 times in the fourth quarter (more than in any other quarter), and averaged 4.6 yards per carry — right on par with his overall average. Interestingly, he only scored one touchdown with less than 15 minutes left, but it was a big one; he also added 14 receptions for 174 yards and another score through the air, averaging by far his highest yards per reception and per target in any quarter of the season.
Jones was a big reason why the Packers had success late in close games in 2019. Hopefully he will be as productive again in 2020.
PFF’s All-Clutch Team: The NFL's best performers in the fourth quarter and overtime in 2019 | PFF
Aaron Jones, Elgton Jenkins, and Corey Linsley all earned recognition from PFF for their performances late in close games. Jones and Jenkins were first-team honorees while Linsley made the second team.
These 2 plays helped land Aaron Jones on PFF’s All-Clutch team | Packers Wire
Expanding on PFF's analysis, this details the biggest plays that Jones made in crunch time, including his 67-yard catch-and-run against the Chiefs and his huge 56-yard scoring run against the Vikings.
Packers quarterback Tim Boyle's offseason: Travel the world and face another roster fight | Packersnews.com (subscription required)
Boyle almost got stuck in the United Arab Emirates when lockdowns began, nearly being stranded there with his family on the way back from a trip to Thailand. Now he's throwing to non-NFL receivers near his home in Connecticut, teaching them how to run their routes to bolster his understanding of the Packers' offense.
Marc-Antoine Dequoy: Underdog of underdogs | Packers.com
While Boyle works towards making the roster for another year, Dequoy is gearing up for his first NFL training camp and hoping to make a big impression, whether on defense or special teams.
Better, Worse or Same? Analyzing the Packers position by position - ESPN
Believe it -- the Packers are better at wide receiver now than a year ago, despite not drafting anyone at the position.
Dodger Stadium now largest coronavirus testing site in California | ESPN
Fascinating. Hopefully people get there early to beat the traffic.