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Green Bay – For all of explanations for the success James Jones has had this season – 12 touchdown catches to lead the NFL – Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a theory.

He thinks that Jones has been overlooked for much of this season but also had another interesting observation: ever since Jones became a dad, he’s been more focused. Jones and wife Tamika had son James Martell Lightning Jones earlier this year.

Rodgers had nothing but praise for Jones on Wednesday:

“The numbers speak for themselves. Leading the league in touchdown catches is pretty impressive, 12. I think it’s on 50-something catches (51), so just about 1 of every 4, almost 5, he’s getting in the end zone,” said Rodgers. “It’s pretty impressive. He's’ really improved a lot. The greatest compliment for him is he probably is not going to mind too much being overlooked. He cares about his teammates, he cares about being a great player and he understands that this is a team-first organization. Hopefully he gets the consideration he deserves for Pro Bowl because he’s had that type of year.”

Jones has also had several of his touchdowns in the red zone this season.

“You guys know how I play, I'm going to throw it to the open guy,” said Rodgers. “For whatever reason this year in the red zone, he's been the guy that's been open more. There haven't been a ton of long touchdowns to James. I would say the majority have been in the red zone, the low red zone. He's just done a really good job of making the most of his opportunities. If you look back at some of the catches, I mean he's had a couple where he basically just took the ball away from the defender. He had a couple really nice ones against the Texans, that last one was incredible. He's just done a great job. Those 50-50 jump balls, he's brought down almost every single one of them.

“I've always had confidence in James,” said Rodgers. “I've been vocal about it and believed in him. I thought that, given the opportunity, he could have this type of season. He just needed some more looks his way. And I think his best football is still in front of him, too. I think he can have an even bigger year, given more opportunities. Not sure what the dynamic of the team is going to look like next year, but I’m excited about the prospect of him and I playing together for a while.

“To be honest - and I don't know personally - but after he and his wife had their first child, I've just noticed a guy who's been more focused at work and a little more dialed in.”