Packers RB AJ Dillon breaks out, but Lambeau Leap a work in progress

The second time AJ Dillon bowled his way into the end zone for a Packers touchdown Sunday night, wide receiver Allen Lazard offered the running back some encouragement, pointing toward the stands for Dillon to try a Lambeau Leap again.

On Dillon’s first attempt, the rookie hadn’t gotten all the way. He had just scampered for a 30-yard score on a fourth-and-1, so perhaps his legs were a bit tired.

“I’ve got to go look at film and figure out how to do better next time,” Dillon said, describing his leap attempt rather than his running.

So after Dillon punched the ball in from seven yards out late in the fourth quarter, he tried again. He leaped, then began to slip. That’s when Lazard shoved Dillon’s backside, giving the tailback the necessary boost he needed to sit upon the wall.

That’s what teammates are for, right?

“Thankfully, Lazard was there to help me up,” Dillon said. “They gave me a little bit of grief. I’m sure it’s going to be out there somewhere. But man, I’m just so excited. I think I might’ve jumped from too far, I don’t really know. But I’m going to get it down pat, I promise that.”

.@ajdillon7’s running looked strong against the Titans. 💪

His Lambeau Leaps?… He’ll get those down. 🙃#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/PG01sNkKXW

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 28, 2020

Dillon broke out Sunday night, stealing the spotlight from the Titans’ Derrick Henry. In Dillon’s first major action of his career, the Boston College product took 21 carries for 124 yards and two scores. He added a power running element on a snowy night to a Green Bay offense that also features the dangerous duo of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams — the latter of whom caught 11 passes for 142 yards and three touchdowns.

The Packers selected Dillon in the second round, although the rookie hadn’t featured much before Sunday. Behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, there weren’t many carries to go around initially. Then Dillon battled COVID-19, holding him out five games.

But with Williams out Sunday night and the snowy weather favoring a power back, Dillon showed what he can do.

“AJ is a monster,” Adams said, via PackersNews.com. “I think you’re going to see a lot more of that going forward.”