Packer running game: stinks

[Harlan Huckleby]

The Packers have really lousy run blocking all around. The creases in the NFL are small, but I'm not sure I'm seeing much of any daylight. Second-level blocking on linebackers? Forget it. Our linemen never seem to pull, I wonder if they can, they are slow.

Grant & Starks are decent running backs. Maybe Bulaga was not 100% today or something. But when I watch other NFL teams, the defensive linemen are not getting so much penetration.

The running stats probably aren't horrible, but that's largely because the draws sometimes work. When they need to run, they are so-so or worse.

I guess with Rodgers being so damn good, it is hard to get the chemistry working for a running game. IT is far more important that the pass blocking be solid, and solid it has been.

[MJZiggy]

Half the line is out with injury and you're worried about them creating daylight? I'm just happy they're keeping Rodgers upright.

[Harlan Huckleby]

I suppose you are right, or half-right since the line was largely there today, but I guess for entertainment purposes I do like to watch a good running game. Maybe I'm spoiled by watching the Badgers, whose linemen are like dancing bears. Other NFL teams seem to block the opponents linebackers now and then, for Christ's sake. The Packers just don't have a bit of rhythm in their running game. Everything about their blocking stinks, including downfield blocking. They get a few decent runs because of the defense playing the pass.

[channtheman]

I'm getting frustrated with this team continually pulling out the RB that is hot. Today, it was Grant. He had 20 some yards on 4 carries I think on the first drive. Then we pulled him and I think on the very next drive we decided it was time for a Starks carry (stuffed) and a Kuhn carry (stuffed). We NEVER seem to keep it going with the one guy who is doing well.

[KalamazooPackerFan]

I'm getting frustrated with this team continually pulling out the RB that is hot. Today, it was Grant. He had 20 some yards on 4 carries I think on the first drive. Then we pulled him and I think on the very next drive we decided it was time for a Starks carry (stuffed) and a Kuhn carry (stuffed). We NEVER seem to keep it going with the one guy who is doing well.

Exactly my thoughts. The whole game was kind of blah today but the lack of running game really contributed to a 2nd half of uninspired and uninspiring football. Grant seems like a starter in name only and I'm not sure why since he sure seems to consistently pick up the 4-5 yards that our running game is expected to get. Starks, who I loved last year, really seems to have lost his mojo for hitting a seam and making something happen. (I wonder if it could be that by the time he came on last year all our opponents were so used to playing us to pass first that any run at all took them by surprise.)

[Tony Oday]

Damn 6-0!!!

[Upnorth]

The runn game is substantially better than last year, which does not mean it is great, but passable.

[King Friday]

We don't really have a starting caliber NFL back IMO. Grant clearly isn't what he used to be. He probably was one of the top 10 backs in the NFL at one point, but like most RBs it seems that Grant only had a couple years of productive service at his prime. Starks just doesn't have the speed to work outside the tackles, and our offensive line isn't going to open up holes for him consistently enough for him to have success.

If our passing game was more average, our running game would be even MORE pathetic. The fact we can't do anything on the ground when the defense has to cover the entire field against the pass is ridiculous.

[RashanGary]

bullshit.

[KalamazooPackerFan]

We don't really have a starting caliber NFL back IMO. Grant clearly isn't what he used to be. He probably was one of the top 10 backs in the NFL at one point, but like most RBs it seems that Grant only had a couple years of productive service at his prime. Starks just doesn't have the speed to work outside the tackles, and our offensive line isn't going to open up holes for him consistently enough for him to have success.

If our passing game was more average, our running game would be even MORE pathetic. The fact we can't do anything on the ground when the defense has to cover the entire field against the pass is ridiculous.

I don't really see that about Grant. He's always been a guy who got better as the game went on but he hasn't had any chance to do so this year as they try to split his carries with Starks and, to a lesser degree, Kuhn. He seems to me to be hitting the holes (when they are there) with the same authority as the year he broke out and he's opened up the last couple of games with some good runs and then disappeared from lack of chances more than anything else.

[Brandon494]

What I had a problem with was the toss to Kuhn out of the shotgun on 3rd and short, hope I never see that play again until we get a speedy back.

[Brandon494]

I'm ok with the run game though with the way the O-line has been banged up. Its nothing flashy with these guys but both are averaging around 4.5 yards per carry while last season we did not have a running back on the team who averaged more than 4 yards per carry.

[RashanGary]

I'd bet on the run game getting better. They're playing with leads all the time. That makes it tougher to run too. Stats might be misleading there.

Newhouse just started his first game at LT. He already looks better than Clifton this year. I think it would be more likely than not he gets better.

Lang is in his first year starting. I think it would be more likely than not he continues to grow into his job

Wells and Sitton are Wells and Sitton.

Bulaga is 1 game back from his injury. I doubt we saw his best ball today.

It's a young group.

[digitaldean]

If they can get any semblance of a running game, it will neutralize MINN and DET's pass rush. It will need to improve before the playoffs start. Grant, minus the Chicago game, has lacked the spark he used to have. Starks is OK, but not consistent enough.

[HarveyWallbangers]

The running game is ahead of where it usually is under McCarthy at this time of year. It's miles ahead of where it was at last year at this time. I agree with Harrell. It's frustrating to watch Kuhn get stopped on consecutive 3rd and 2s, but I can't complain about the running game this year. The one thing we'll likely never be able to do is run the ball consistently when the other team knows we are likely going to run it. With the leads we've had, we've been in that situation a lot this year--and it's hurt the old yards/carry.