It’s not a good time to be a Green Bay Packers’ running back. Even before the Packers lost Ryan Grant to injury the running game has been under attack. The same old stuff, Ryan Grant isn’t any good, the Packers aren’t committed to the running game, the offensive line can’t run block. Since losing Grant the Packers have found out just how valuable Grant is.
Grant may not be Superman, but without him the running has vanished into thin air. It is so bad that the Packers look like they have given up trying to run at all, instead going with the short passing game as a substitute. Donald Driver might catch 150 balls this year unless the Packers figure something out soon. I hate to say it but I think Ted needs to pull the trigger on Lynch if he can get him. With the injuries at linebacker, however, A.J. Hawk can no longer be part of the equation, which means draft picks, which goes against every fiber of Thompson’s being.
Whether it be Lynch or somebody else, the Packers running game needs to at least have the respect of the defense if they are to accomplish their goals. That threat is especially needed in the red zone where with no reason to stop the run opponents can flood the short field making it twice as hard to score a TD. The Packers can march it up and down the field between the 20s but will stall out like they did Monday night.
Obviously with a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers and the weapons he has, the Packers aren’t going to be a running team, but last year they did run the ball more than 17 other teams, finishing 15th in rushing attempts. They won’t touch that at the pace they are at now, more like 30th probably, meaning Rodgers will be under way more duress than he should be. I hope he makes it through unharmed.
Finally, I wonder how much of a factor having Jermichael Finley the starting tight end affects the running game. Finley isn’t exactly a blocking tight end and if you bring in D. Lee and run the ball every time, it won’t be any more effective since teams will know what is coming.
It’s all quite a dilemma for head coach Mike McCarthy and his offensive coordinator. Come on Ted, play your card, the window is here now. Take advantage of it one way or another.