The Choice: Aaron Jones
For starters, Aaron Jones was much more prolific in the receiving game than Josh Jacobs was. Jones caught 49 passes for 474 yards and three touchdowns, while Jacobs only caught 20 balls for 166 yards.
It’s fair to assume Jacobs will improve in this department, given how the running back position is becoming more receiving oriented. According to Pro Football Focus, since 2013 running backs entering their second season see an average increase in receptions by 19% and an average increase in targets by 16%. Even based on that methodology, Jacobs’ receiving numbers don’t come close to Jones’.
The Packers also seem to be shifting more towards a run-first approach on offense after some of the moves they’ve made over the offseason. Jones should benefit from this greatly.
Playing under Jon Gruden, Jacobs may still get ample opportunites to tote the rock. The Oakland Raiders ran on 45.5% of their plays last season, the eighth highest mark in the NFL. But, it’s the receiving numbers that separates Jacobs from Jones, and unfortunately Jacobs probably won’t see as many opportunities in that department.
At the end of the day, both of these backs have Pro Bowl potential. But entering 2020, Jones should have the better outing as an overall, well rounded weapon out of the backfield.
