‘Special human’ could be Jets’ downfall vs. Vikings in London | Sporting News

While the external attention mostly focuses on Sam Darnold, Justin Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings‘ passing attack, the New York Jets mustn’t overlook running back Aaron Jones in Week 5.

The Vikings acquired Jones via free agency this past offseason after the battle-tested ball carrier spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Jones, who played 11 games for the 2023 Packers, saw his yards per carry average dip to a career-low 4.6, but the drop-off appears to have been only temporary.

“There might’ve some thought that he didn’t have a whole lot left in the tank. I think we’ve seen through four weeks, that’s incorrect,” said Jets’ starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who shared a backfield with Jones from 2017-22, while making a weekly appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Helping the Vikings to a 4-0 season start, Jones has accounted for 464 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns thus far. He’s averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

“Smart as can be. Tough. Physical. Slasher. Great hands. Just always positive attitude,” said Rodgers. “I say this about a few guys. He epitomized what it meant to be a Packer.”

With their Packers’ days now a part of history, Rodgers and Jones will be on opposite sidelines during the October 6 international affair. It’ll be none other than a challenge for the Jets’ defense to stop Minnesota’s highly-performing RB1.

Despite ranking No. 2 overall amongst NFL defenses, Gang Green has been shaky against the run throughout the first quarter of the regular season schedule. New York ranks 21st in run defense (138.5) while allowing 4.59 yards per rush play (20th in NFL). In all four games, the Jets’ opponent has accounted for at least 4.1 yards per carry.

It won’t get any easier for New York against Jones, who produced three 1,000-yard rushing campaigns in his last four years as Rodgers’s teammate.

“Jonesy’s one of my all-time favorite teammates. There’s nobody like Jonesy. He is a special, special human. One of the best guys to be in the locker room with, the best guys to have next to you in the shotgun,” said Rodgers.

The Jets and the Vikings will kick off at 9:30 am ET on Sunday in London on NFL Network.

More New York Jets News:

• Jets have chance to help Aaron Rodgers cook like it’s 2021

• Game Prediction: Jets to surprise undefeated opponent overseas

• Jets slide in NFL power rankings, head to London after troubling Denver loss

• MVP candidate Sam Darnold can show Jets what they’re missing

• Jets’ highly-touted rookie surprisingly buried with wildly low snap count