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Starks Set for NFL Debut
Packers RB Expected to Play vs. SF
GREEN BAY, WI (WIVB) - James Starks hasn't played a game since January of 2009, when he suited up for the U.B. Bulls in the International Bowl. That streak appears set to end on Sunday, when the Niagara Falls native is set to make his NFL debut for the Packers against San Francisco.
Starks is likely to dress as a backup to starting running back Brandon Jackson. Regular backkup Dmitri Nance says he will likely be held out after suffering a concussion last week. Starks told reporters he is ready to contribute on special teams and on offense.
“I should be playing, from what I know, special teams and everything. I should be good to go,” Starks said after practice Friday. “I’m excited. I can’t wait.”
A 6th round pick, Starks has been out for most of the season after injuring his hamstring in training camp. He was activaded off the PUP list two weeks ago, but has been inactive for his first two games. He missed his senior season at U.B. after injuring his shoulder. So if Starks plays, it will be his first football action in almost two years.
He is one of 10 native WNYers playing right now in the NFL.
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So, Snake, just got back on here on PackerRats. I haven't had time to read what you Rats have been saying, but you know I'm not shy from stating opinions.
Brandon Jackson is not a good NFL running back. He's a great 3rd down back (catching the ball) and sealing some blocks, but this guy is not worthy of carrying an elite team, or even a 32nd rated team as the starting RB.
Why?
1) His physicality is garbage. I've never seen an NFL RB get tackled BEHIND the line of scrimmage as much as BJack does. Snake used to rip on Grant for that, but I was SO wrong. Grant was a very good NFL RB for getting yards vs. BJack. Not even close.
2) For a little guy, he should have some speed. I don't have stats (check Waldo or Patler if they are still here) but BJack can't get a big run even if he gets past the line of scrimmage. My nephew could arm-tackle him and he's 12 playing Pop-Warner football. He runs a 4.6 (scouting reports) and that seems generous given the time it takes to get him going.
3) The GB Packers are statistically the worst team in 2010 for getting running first downs on 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 2. Why? See BJack. It's gotten so bad that we have to risk the health of our elite QB (Rodgers) in goalline and short yardage situations to get that first down running the ball.
Give Starks a chance.....or Nance....or bring back the brain-surgeon Samkon Gado. Hell, I'd take min. wage to run the ball on 3rd and 1 with a pretty good OL in 2010 with the Packers.
Snake's Take:
Our D is very stout. Our O if very good, too, but the thing separating us from elite is proven over and over. We can't run the ball consistently. It's hard to change over the whole OL, but easier to switch RB's. BJack has failed (great 3rd down back, though), so give Nance, and esp. Starks a chance to run the ball.
It's doesn't take a brain surgeon with recent NFL history to see that sometimes a new RB is all it takes to jolt an offense in the NFL. Gado was great in spurts. But look deeper and see that Terrell Davis came out of nowhere, as have many great NFL backs. I'm not saying Nance or Starks would be great, but really, that is the only real weakness with the Packers in 2010. BJack is abysmal. Surely, any other option would be good. It's getting colder, too, as I don't want to see BJack go for 12 carries and 22 yards and ARod go for 12 carries 56 yards and get carted off the field with an injury in week 17 with the NFC North title on the line vs. the Bears.
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