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Aaron Jones proving to be real Green Bay Packers’ MVP

The Packers’ Aaron Jones, left, and Aaron Rodgers take a selfie after beating the Carolina Panthers Sunday in Green Bay, Wis. (AP photo)

GREEN BAY, Wis. — It’s been a while since the Green Bay Packers had a dominant force at running back.

Eddie Lacy was Green Bay’s previous 1,000-yard rusher. That was five years ago.

Aaron Jones had another big game in a win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, and the third-year back continues to prove he is exactly what the Packers need if they’re going to represent the NFC in Miami in February.

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WHAT’S WORKING

That whole relationship thing between Aaron Rodgers and coach Matt LaFleur and his staff.

Rodgers looked over to the sideline following Jones’ third touchdown of the game on Sunday. It was a 13-yard run with 11:50 to go in the third quarter. Rodgers lined up 5 yards behind the center, with Jones immediately next to him.

Rodgers took the snap and handed it to Jones. Right guard Billy Turner and right tackle Bryan Bulaga both blocked left while tight end Marcedes Lewis ran a quick out to the right. The movement up front created a massive hole for Jones to stroll through.

“I just love that play call,” Rodgers said. “I always tell (quarterbacks coach Luke) Getsy like I’ve told ‘AVP’ (former Packers quarterbacks coach) Alex Van Pelt in the past, (former Packers assistant) Tom Clements and I used to talk about how the simplest plays are the best plays, and I feel like that’s a very simple play that’s been very effective for us, so I was maybe pointing over to Luke, hoping he would understand what I was thinking there.”

The relationship is working, as is the plan to get Jones the ball. Jones is tied with Christian McCaffrey for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (11) and total touchdowns (14).

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WHAT’S NOT WORKING

LaFleur said Monday that the team’s communication during substitutions is poor and is something he and his staff will look to improve during the bye week.

“It looks chaotic and disorganized at times,” he said. “That’s something we’re going to take a good, hard look at and how we can make it more clear and efficient for our players.”

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STOCK UP

Davante Adams. The two-time Pro Bowl receiver had the 14th 100-yard receiving game of his career on Sunday. After missing four games with turf toe, it looks as though Adams is returning to form just in time for the home stretch of the season.

“I feel great, man,” Adams said. “I still have to deal with some uncomfortable stuff but I’m obviously able to perform at a high level, still run around and be at full speed. That’s a plus.”

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