Brandon Jackson

[Joemailman]

http://www.packerupdate.com/pu/2009/02/jackson-deserved-more-carries.html

Interesting article making the case that Jackson deserved more carries in 2008. I don't expect Jackson to have a shot at the starting job in 2009, but I am hopeful that will be rewarded with carries when he plays well. I'm not convinced Grant is the type of back who gets better the more carries he gets. He might be more explosive if he gets a break once in a while

[Bossman641]

For me, one of the great mysteries of the 2008 season was "where are Grant's long runs?"

I don't get it. Was he injured? Was he simply lucky in 2007?

[rbaloha1]

For me, one of the great mysteries of the 2008 season was "where are Grant's long runs?"

I don't get it. Was he injured? Was he simply lucky in 2007?

The offense was better in 07. Recall Favre could change to a running play at any time.

[Bossman641]

For me, one of the great mysteries of the 2008 season was "where are Grant's long runs?"

I don't get it. Was he injured? Was he simply lucky in 2007?

The offense was better in 07. Recall Favre could change to a running play at any time.

So could Rodgers

[Joemailman]

Grant clearly lacked the breakaway burst he had in 2007, and that had nothing to do with who the QB was. Perhaps the hamstring injury never allowed him to have the explosiveness he had in 2007. The question is whether he can get it back. If not, Jackson could be a better option because he has more ability to break tackles, and is a better receiver.

[Waldo]

For me, one of the great mysteries of the 2008 season was "where are Grant's long runs?"

I don't get it. Was he injured? Was he simply lucky in 2007?

The offense was better in 07. Recall Favre could change to a running play at any time.

The '07 offense scored 16 more points (1 ppg more) and averaged 19.6 more ypg.

It wasn't that much better.

[sheepshead]

Don't be surprised if we take an RB in the first round.

[Joemailman]

I'd be very surprised if TT took a RB at #9. Too much talent at OT, DE, DT and LB for it to happen. TT is known for 1st round surprises, but the other time he had an early 1st round pick, he took the guy most people thought he would take (Hawk). Now, if he were to trade down into the middle of the 1st round and Chris Wells were still available, then it might happen.

[Packnut]

Grant

Grant clearly lacked the breakaway burst he had in 2007, and that had nothing to do with who the QB was. Perhaps the hamstring injury never allowed him to have the explosiveness he had in 2007. The question is whether he can get it back. If not, Jackson could be a better option because he has more ability to break tackles, and is a better receiver.

I'm not convinced on the burst thing. In 07, he ran the same way but was able to run over or through DB's. Last season, he always went down on contact. It is possible that he had a career year in 07 due to a combination of things like the Favre factor and he's just an average skilled back.

[HarveyWallbangers]

He lacked top speed early because of his injury. Remember his run in the first game vs. Minnesota where he admitted he couldn't go full throttle. That would have been a TD in 2007. He's not an Edgar Bennett-like slowpoke. Part of it early was his injury. Some of it is just the way it goes. He was lucky in 2007. Not so lucky in 2008. I think he'll settle in somewhere in between.

[rbaloha1]

For me, one of the great mysteries of the 2008 season was "where are Grant's long runs?"

I don't get it. Was he injured? Was he simply lucky in 2007?

The offense was better in 07. Recall Favre could change to a running play at any time.

So could Rodgers

Unaware that Rodgers had that option. If Rogers did its unlikely he could be as masterful as Favre.

Recall earlier in the season defenses were placing more players in the box daring the Packers to throw. Obviously more players in the box makes it more difficult to run.

Corey Hall was also injured more in 08. Was Bubba Franks part of 07 team. Bubba was a very good run blocker and missed in 08.

[rbaloha1]

Don't be surprised if we take an RB in the first round.

Only as a trade down. Knowshon Moreno would be a nice addition. The Oregon rb would also be a later draft pick.

[rbaloha1]

He lacked top speed early because of his injury. Remember his run in the first game vs. Minnesota where he admitted he couldn't go full throttle. That would have been a TD in 2007. He's not an Edgar Bennett-like slowpoke. Part of it early was his injury. Some of it is just the way it goes. He was lucky in 2007. Not so lucky in 2008. I think he'll settle in somewhere in between.

Injury played a role earlier in the year. Progressed as the season moved on.

[Cheesehead Craig]

I like Jackson and I think he was way underutilized last year. He had a much more noticeable burst than Grant did. I hope he gets at least 100 carries this coming season as I think he's a solid runner.

[Guiness]

For me, one of the great mysteries of the 2008 season was "where are Grant's long runs?"

I don't get it. Was he injured? Was he simply lucky in 2007?

The offense was better in 07. Recall Favre could change to a running play at any time.

The '07 offense scored 16 more points (1 ppg more) and averaged 19.6 more ypg.

It wasn't that much better.

Come on Waldo, you know better than that. Lies, damn lies and statistics, right? You can't judge an O based on points, or 3rd down efficiency, or turnovers, etc.

IMO (but that's all it is) the offense was better in the second half of '07. Purely anectotal, but I feel better trusting that than a stat. They can be useful, but are no good for making a final judment of any importance.