Aaron Jones started the 2017 NFL season as an afterthought of the Green Bay Packers' offense. Ty Montgomery was the starting running back with Jamaal Williams as his primary backup. Just eight weeks into the season, Jones has become one of the focal points of the Packers' offense and has taken over the starting job.

Green Bay drafted three rookie running backs hoping that one would shine, which is exactly what Jones has done.

Looking ahead to the Packers' Week 9 matchup with the Detroit lions, Jones will be asked to have another big game. He has already had two 100-yard rushing performances and has gained praise from the entire coaching staff.

Throughout the first eight weeks of the season, Jones has carried the football 62 times for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He has also shown promise as a pass blocker in the backfield.

What does Green Bay need from running game vs. Detroit?

Quite simply, Brett Hundley has not gotten the job done since Aaron Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone. He has struggled to make NFL throws and there is a lot of concern about the passing game. Jones will be asked to help open up the aerial attack by forcing the Lions' defense to respect the rushing attack.

Jones needs to rush for at least 100 yards on Monday night (Nov. 6) to give the Packers' offense the boost it needs. Detroit has a much-improved defense this season which will make that task difficult for Jones.

That being said, he has shown that he can handle a larger load than anyone thought he could and will rise to the occasion.

Can the Packers get a win?

Obviously, the most important question is, can the Packers come away with a win? The answer to that question is, yes. Jones may not be the only reason for a Green Bay win this week, but he certainly is a major key.

If Jones is able to come through with the performance that the Packers need from him, Hundley should be able to make some plays through the air. Detroit has struggled with consistency this season, which bodes well for the Packers' offense.

It won't be easy, but with Green Bay having home-field advantage and finally having a legitimate ground game, they can steal a win to improve to 5-3.

There is a chance Rodgers will be able to return in Week 15, which makes every single win to keep the Packers in playoff contention much more important.

Expect to see the Packers and Lions put on quite a show on Monday night. These two teams do not like each other and it will be an old-fashioned NFC North rivalry matchup.

Hopefully, Jones will continue showing the impressive play that he has shown since taking the starting job from Montgomery and will put up yet another big game for the Packers.

Do you think Aaron Jones is the real deal? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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