Doric SamAugust 13, 2024
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon received a wave of criticism for his lackluster performance in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, but he’s responding to those who had negative things to say.
“In all honesty, if you don’t live inside my house your opinion, to me, is so secondary that I couldn’t be bothered with it,” Dillon told Fox 11’s Cody Krupp, while noting he wasn’t aware of what was said online. “But to anybody on Twitter or whatever, you can’t do what we’re doing, [so] just enjoy, just watch.”
Cody Krupp @CodyWKrupp#Packers RB AJ Dillon’s message for all @X “keyboard warriors”:
“I graded 98%, try to go out & do more than what I did — If you don’t live inside my house, your opinion is so secondary to me I couldn’t be bothered with it — you can’t do what we’re doing just enjoy & watch” pic.twitter.com/8PI1Y86MHU
Dillon carried the ball four times and managed just two yards in Saturday’s 23-10 win against the Browns. Three of his rushes came in a short-yardage situation and he netted zero yards, resulting in a turnover on downs for the Packers.
The 26-year-old is expected to be Green Bay’s primary backup behind Josh Jacobs, who signed with the team this offseason. The two-time Pro Bowler didn’t see much action in his Packers debut, notching one rush for seven yards.
Fortunately for Green Bay, other running backs on the team found success throughout the game. Second-year speedster Emanuel Wilson led the way with 67 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Rookie running back Jarveon Howard, who was an undrafted free agent out of Alcorn State, totaled 44 yards on eight rushes for an average of 5.5 yards per carry.
Still, Dillon’s performance shouldn’t cause much concern for the Packers. He’s spent his entire four-year career in Green Bay and re-signed with the team in March without spending too much time on the open market. In a backup role, he’s totaled over 600 rushing yards in each of the past three years, so he should continue to have success alongside Jacobs.
Dillon will look to produce more for the offense when the Packers return to action in their second preseason game on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.