The Packers were already facing a situation at receiver where there might not be enough footballs to go around, now the same thing could be happening at running back. It was previously a conclusion that Ryan Grant would be the starter, but James Starks may be on his way to changing some minds at 1265 Lombardi Ave.
Both guys are in tiptop shape and Starks even added a little muscle in the offseason without the benefit of an offseason program. Grant is fully recovered from an ankle injury that kept him out for all but two quarters last season. It’s shaping up to be a helluva battle.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said it is an open competition but I still believe it is Grant’s job to lose. Grant is the proven entity who had been a workhorse for two-and-a-half seasons prior to getting hurt. Starks came out of nowhere last December to at least give the Packers some semblance of a running game and it was just what the doctor ordered at the time.
Now that the game film is out on Starks teams will be able to prepare for him better and he will have to adjust. With Grant the starting running back opponents will have to prepare for both players which should make it a little easier on Starks. Plus using Starks has a complement to Grant means McCarthy will probably come up with some new wrinkles to take advantage of his unique ability.
The talent Ted Thompson has assembled here is mind boggling. Unlike when Ron Wolf was here the Packers never seem to age under Thompson. The competition at positions like running back and receiver are prime examples why.