Packers RB AJ Dillon thinks he was 'playing tight' last season

AJ Dillon is feeling free and loose, and ready for a better 2023 with the Green Bay Packers.

According to the young running back brimming with potential, he feels like he was “playing tight” throughout his mildly disappointing 2022. However, he’s feeling much better ahead of a new campaign.

Dillon explained to the media as he prepares for a bigger slice of the pie that he has immense love for the Packers organization, and he’s ready to put the team on his back this season.

“I love Green Bay,” Dillon said, via Jason Wilde of Madison.com. “Green Bay knows that. I love the Packers. The Packers know that. I’d play here until I can’t run anymore. I’ll pick up long snapper or whatever it is when I start slowing down. But there’s only so much I can control.

“My biggest thing is having the mindset that I’m going to come in here and keep doing my thing. And when it’s time to go play ball, I’m going to go out there and play free and have fun — how I used to back in college, high school. And how ever that happens — whether it’s 1,000 yards, 2,000 yards, 100 yards — so be it. I’m going to have fun and enjoy all the time I have here. And hopefully, we’re back here next year.”

That’s a mindset Matt LaFleur would prefer to have instilled in every single player on his roster this season. There’s a reason why the Packers are so high on Dillon.

While the former Boston College running back is still in a tandem with Aaron Jones, the duo will likely be relied upon greater in 2023, with Aaron Rodgers taking his talents to the New York Jets. While Jordan Love is no slouch, a solid running game could go a long way to easing the transition.

Over the past couple of seasons, the Packers have been at their best when their run game is working in tandem with their quarterback. It helped Green Bay become one of the powers in the NFC aside from last season, although they never found the playoff success they’ve been searching for.

Perhaps AJ Dillon and an improved running attack could be the secret sauce Green Bay needs to get over the hump. Many are doubting the Packers in 2023, but do so at your own risk, because they could surprise people this season.