NFC North running backs.

[Harlan Huckleby]

The elite backs seem to make only a little difference in their teams success.

I agree that the current stable of GB backs is fine, it would be nice to see one of them become an exciting player if only for fan interest.

The back I couldn't remember who the Lions have in wings is Mikel Leshoure from Illinois. He was a great college back.

Forte in Chicago reminds me of Michael Westbrook during his best years in Philly.

[mraynrand]

The only yards Forte could find on the ground against Detroit came when he bounced outside. Which Packer RB is best suited to doing that?

I'm going to have to go ahead and sort of disagree with you there. Forte seemed to do well running wide of the tackles, but inside the ends, particularly when they - the DEs - were lined up pretty far outside. Double Suh and wall him off whichever direction you want to go, and give the outside rush to that DE. There will be a gap there, and you have to account for the LB, but that's how the Packers will get yards running. Unless Green can get the edge - because both Grant and the Stark plug struggle getting outside quickly.

[mraynrand]

Forte in Chicago reminds me of Michael Westbrook during his best years in Philly.

Interesting comparison. Westbrook was more dynamic and quick, in my memory, but the numbers are really close - Forte is getting the 9 yard/catch average that Westbrook had, and may be even be a stronger runner, even though he gets a lower average because the Bear's O-line and receivers suck. LeSean McCoy reminds me of Westbrook too - I wonder why?

[pbmax]

Interesting comparison. Westbrook was more dynamic and quick, in my memory, but the numbers are really close - Forte is getting the 9 yard/catch average that Westbrook had, and may be even be a stronger runner, even though he gets a lower average because the Bear's O-line and receivers suck. LeSean McCoy reminds me of Westbrook too - I wonder why?

Charlie Garner in this group perhaps?

[RashanGary]

We are an outdoor team that is virtually unbeatable in dome, where all our weapons can be unleashed.

That has been the case, and as far as being dynamite on turf, I think that will stay. But this year, Grant and Starks are both that no nonsense, mudder type running back. We have two of them. We have a young, ascending OL. This might be a different year with that.


And I still can't wait to see the 4-wide shotgun formation with Green in the backfield!

[Fritz]

I'm going to have to go ahead and sort of disagree with you there. Forte seemed to do well running wide of the tackles, but inside the ends, particularly when they - the DEs - were lined up pretty far outside. Double Suh and wall him off whichever direction you want to go, and give the outside rush to that DE. There will be a gap there, and you have to account for the LB, but that's how the Packers will get yards running. Unless Green can get the edge - because both Grant and the Stark plug struggle getting outside quickly.

My first reaction to your post was to claim authority in this dispute because I was at the game. But then I remembered that I had about seven beers that night.

[Upnorth]

As mentioned before we don't need a homerun hitter, just a steady 3 - 4 yrds and a consistant short yardage back. We kind of have the first, but who can we count on to get the first from 2 yrds or less on third down? I don't remeber seeing much sucsess this year in that situation.