The Lass Word: Pack Should Keep Running
Even after Love comes back.
By KenLass
I had to rub my eyes when I saw the stat. Is this for real? It appears the Green Bay Packers actually lead the NFL in rushing. That is worth a double take. You see, the Packers never lead the league in rushing. It’s downright unnatural. Something out of a parallel universe.
It won’t last of course. The Packers have had to become a rushing team temporarily due to the injury to starting quarterback Jordan Love. The coaches protected back-up Malik Willis in week two against the Colts by rushing the ball 53 times. Josh Jacobs had 151 yards all by himself. As a result, Green Bay’s two game total of 424 ground yards is well ahead of the second place Los Angelers Chargers (395 yards).
Love has returned to practice on a limited basis and has a chance to play against Tennessee this Sunday. But it might behoove Matt LaFleur and the coaching staff to stay in heavy run mode even if Love can play. A dominating rushing attack eats up the clock, keeps the opposing offense off the field, builds confidence in a young offensive line, reduces the amount of running Love would have to do on his recovering leg, sets up the play-action pass and demoralizes the defense.
But I’m not sure LaFleur has it in him to stay with the run if his number one quarterback can play. Passing is in his DNA. In fact, it’s in the franchise’s DNA. The Green Bay Packers are a passing franchise, which is ironic, considering they play outdoors in a cold weather city. No doubt the presence of back-to-back Hall of Fame quarterbacks had something to do with that. Why run the ball when you have two of the greatest throwers ever to play the game under center?
The Packers have not finished a regular season leading the NFL in rushing this entire millennium. Since 2000, the team has only finished in the top ten four times. The franchise is the definition of mediocre when it comes to carrying the pigskin. In 22 of the last 24 seasons, the Pack has finished between 10th and 27th. Most of the time in the middle teens.
Even in 2003, when Ahman Green set the all time single season franchise record for rush yards in a season with 1,883, the team finished only third in team rushing. How about the Super Bowl championship team in 2010? It may surprise you to know that team finished no better than 24th in rushing, third lowest of the millennium. That’s because Aaron Rodgers and his trio of receivers (Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson) couldn’t be stopped in the pass game, so they aired it out almost all the time.
In truth, you probably have to go all the way back to the Vince Lombardi dynasty teams of the 1960s to find Packer teams consistently among the league’s elite at running the rock. Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung are legendary from that era. In 1972 the tandem of John Brockington and MacArthur Lane led Green Bay to a brief resurgence during the dark decades of the 70s and 80s. Their prowess running the ball took the team to the playoffs where they lost in the first round. Since then, there have been some noteworthy individual running backs, including Eddie Lee Ivery, Edgar Bennett, Dorsey Levens, the aforementioned Green, Eddie Lacy and Aaron Jones. Talented all, but as a team the Packers never led the league.
Now comes the latest in Green Bay’s parade of featured ball carriers. Josh Jacobs is a throwback to the workhorse era, before the league moved toward smaller, faster backs who were better in the passing game. With Jacobs grinding, Jordan Love’s mobility, and speedsters like Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Bo Melton jet sweeping and lining up in the backfield, this Packer team could, and probably should, stay run heavy with sustained success.
But you know, and I know, it likely ain’t gonna happen.
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Ken Lass is a former Green Bay television sports anchor and 43 year media veteran, a lifelong Packers fan, and a shareholder.
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Comments (53)
crayzpackfan
September 19, 2024 at 03:24 pm
I just want to see a good balance. It is complimentary to one another to be able to do both run and pass. It is also better for time of possession and resting a defense to be able to have a balanced offense. But yes, being able to run the ball with a lead in the 4th frame is always an advantage, especially in bad weather and playoff games. I have always been a huge fan of play action with the QB playing from under center. A balanced offense provides these opportunities.
LLCHESTY
September 19, 2024 at 08:11 pm
I don't think you necessarily need to have balance in every game. The big thing is being competent in both run and pass to take advantage of a defenses weakness. It also makes it tough on a defense watching film if some weeks your pass heavy and other weeks run heavy.
dobber
September 20, 2024 at 07:44 am
Agreed--you need to be good enough at both when the opportunity is there.
splitpea1
September 19, 2024 at 03:37 pm
Sounds good--until they get stopped. Then it's time for the cornucopia of receiving options to be utilized.
We're only two games into the season, so it is yet to be determined how sustainable this approach is. I'd be more convinced when they're able to grind out third-and-short on a consistent basis.
Tundraboy
September 20, 2024 at 07:50 pm
I don't know that they will get stopped although I know MLF would go away from it right away. This running group is a different animal especially when they are healthy. That will come in handy later this season
pantz_bURp
September 19, 2024 at 04:04 pm
You betcha! Run the ball...
R U N? (are you in?) I know I am, all in.
Hey, when geese fly in a V formation...why is one line always longer than the other?
That's because there are more geese in that line. Pack, let's enforce our Will(is) on Tennessee. Rest QB1 if at all possible in the hopes he is healed and ready for MN.
Just my thoughts: but you would be wise to listen. I am a Rhode Scholar (Ray Rhodes that is).
<{}}}}}}}}}}}}-<
Ferrari-Driver
September 19, 2024 at 04:26 pm
I live in California and unfortunately only get to go to one Packer game per year and to my good fortune, I picked the Colts game. It was one of the most exciting games I have ever attended and the young lady sitting directly in front of me added to the excitement. She was a spark plug and had many of those fans near us jumping and hollering every time the colts tried to run a play. My wife and I sat on the east side of the stadium in section 119 and the sun was a cooker. I think the only somewhat comfortable spot in the stadium was on the south end which was sheltered from the direct sun. The Packers' players did an amazing job performing in that heat. Great game and super win.
Untylu1968
September 19, 2024 at 10:06 pm
I was one of those lucky fans that had it made in the shade! We were posted up in row 60, in the southwest endzone. (Shade from start to finish) With the flyover to start the day, the absolutely awesome crowd, and, of course, the victory, it made for a great opener! Pretty sure the sun would've done me in!
Leatherhead
September 19, 2024 at 04:54 pm
Running does a lot of good things, but you will score more points passing, the Packers are built to pass, and we'll be a passing team this year.
Bitternotsour
September 19, 2024 at 04:57 pm
Running the ball effectively is also dull as hell. I'd like to have an element of entertainment on Sundays. I want to see 30+ points every week. That ain't happening grinding the ball into the dust of the day.
Leatherhead
September 19, 2024 at 05:11 pm
I think that over the course of a 17 game season, you'd like to get some easy points. Just like in tennis, although you may have to hit 10 shots to win a point, it's nice when you can just get a service winner. In baseball, getting that guy to pop up for an easy out, or a weak dribbler to the second baseman.
I'm in the 30 Points A Week club. I think if we scored 30 every week, our record would be no worse than 14-3, even without a very good defense. That should be the goal every week.
Running keeps your QB from getting hit, and it sets up play action, and it shortens the game, and it makes it easier for the defense. But passing the ball scores points.
Packers0808
September 19, 2024 at 06:35 pm
A score is a score by ground or air sometimes a kick. I enjoy all three, the kick the least.
Leatherhead
September 19, 2024 at 07:19 pm
When you look at the Packers scoring, and scoring in general, a lot more TDs come via the air than they do the ground. The teams that get a lot of TDs on the ground include several of the better running QBs, like Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson.
Additionally, when we're in first down near the goal line, we throw. Many times,I wish we could just pound it in but it seems so much easier to just throw it to a guy who has 1 guy defending him than it does to pound it through 11.
nagawicka
September 20, 2024 at 12:40 pm
Yes, YES! The 'easy points' are so easy to come by in the NFL. *eyeroll*
Leatherhead
September 20, 2024 at 07:45 pm
Some are easier than others. .
dobber
September 20, 2024 at 07:50 am
I love a good running game. It demoralizes an opponent and wears them down, and opens up the downfield passing game.
Nine teams are running at over a 50% clip after two (and for NE, three) games. Small sample size, but over the last three full seasons only three teams finished with more than 50% runs. It will settle down....but what it means to be a "running football team" now is very different from what it meant even in the 1980s or 90s.
LLCHESTY
September 20, 2024 at 08:33 pm
I think a good balance is a 55/45 pass to run split. There's so many passes these days are basically runs, two yards beyond the LOS or shorter, it's hard to be a 50/50 team unless you have a dominant OL and a Derrick Henry type and I'm not sure how far that will get you.
Tundraboy
September 20, 2024 at 07:53 pm
I don't think it's ever dull especially when it's colder weather and when you're stomping on someone in the playoffs.
Rory P Scrotem
September 20, 2024 at 09:56 am
If my gut feelings are correct, we will be seeing a standing O-VATION performance by the tight end room on Sunday to include receiving, blocking & play-action deception.
Time for the tight ends to step-up & shine...
pantz_bURp
September 19, 2024 at 06:49 pm
I don't care how the Pack gets points, just get em baby!
I will stay in the stands till the end. Just like Myers, I ain't leaving until I'm heaving.
Reminds me of those ol college days and nights...I digress. Oh well, gonna spin some vinyl = It keeps You Runnin by the Doobie Brothers (1977)
Loyally yours,
P-Burp
Starrbrite
September 20, 2024 at 07:46 pm
China Grove
Listen to the Music
Yes!!!
PhantomII
September 19, 2024 at 07:41 pm
Just move the chains...run or pass..whatever it takes. I don't know why we don't have a heavy package to run the ball on anyone with someone like K. Clark as a full back or Wyatt blocking....big hole maker on the DL for our RB within the 5 yard line to pick-up 6 pts over 3. Why doesn't ML think out of the box...RB passes as much as we have been running the ball would be a huge plus also. GPG
jannesbjornson
September 20, 2024 at 08:53 pm
Wyatt should be the featured guy on this D-Line. He has inside speed and quicks to the QB. He has to be turned loose. The defensive front was too conservative vs the college offenses. Hafley has to reset his group. The Playmakers have to be on the field.
stockholder
September 19, 2024 at 08:30 pm
No - No they shouldn't.
They should Pass the Ball.
Don't go back!
The packers had all--pro QBs.
If Love is accurate.
Why go back?
Keep the running game healthy.
Don't over-use it.
jannesbjornson
September 19, 2024 at 09:05 pm
You build for the run in December and try to get it firing aggressively during the Playoffs. This team must learn how to penetrate the goal line when inside the five. He has the TEs to make it work. Watson has to be featured on the 1:1s
stockholder
September 20, 2024 at 04:08 am
The rules encourage passing.
It's more points faster.
A running attack can wear down a defense.
But a good back will wear down first.
jannesbjornson
September 20, 2024 at 07:02 pm
Keep tossing TDs and let them try to catch up. When the weather is hot, both teams suffer from playing Cro-Magnon gap and blast. Get your Gazelles out in space and hit them in stride. If Willis can't find the receivers, find a guy who can. One problem is just horse shit QB coaching from high school and up into college.
Dillonbarton
September 19, 2024 at 11:56 pm
I am looking forward to reading more from it, and I have just bookmarked it. You should keep up your outstanding work!
nagawicka
September 20, 2024 at 12:12 am
Packers need to run the ball until opposing defenses literally stop our ground game cold. And not before.
Dominant run games win titles because ball control keeps our defense fresh as a daisy and their defense wilty as petunias run over by Edgar Bennett in the freezing cold mud because defense wins championships and pass-first pass-only pass-happy offenses do not. Ask Bob Schnelker. Ask John Jefferson. Ask Holmgren & Favre who didn't get rolling until Bennett and Levens and Reggie White (b/c defense wins championships, MUST I repeat myself), proving the run-first, run-to-setup-the pass, run-often method WINS Super Bowls. Conversely, abandoning the run after halftime for no discernible reason the following year cost Holmgren a 2nd Super Bowl & the Packers another title. Why? Losing time-of-possession gassed even the vaunted Pack defense when the Broncos turned Terrell Davis loose and Holmgren, mindlessly capitulating on his own run game, played into their hands. You can't pass your way out of that. No one can pass their way out of that. SO REMEMBER: Never, Ever, break the Mike Holmgren Rule. Never, Ever abandon the run game in the second half.
barutanseijin
September 20, 2024 at 05:29 am
All those years of stud QBs like Scott Hunter, Jerry Tagge, David Whitehurst, Rich Campbell, Randy Wright etc and what was really holding the Packers back was their reluctance to run the ball.
No way that nineties Packer team even sniffs a super bowl without Favre.
TKWorldWide
September 20, 2024 at 07:07 am
Yes, QB’s are kind of a big deal.
LambeauPlain
September 20, 2024 at 07:49 am
"No way that nineties Packer team even sniffs a super bowl without Favre."
Impossible to know. Impossible to prove.
All the Packers O coaches wanted to replace Favre and his INTs with Mark Brunell except for one, Mike Holmgren.
Would Brunell leading the Offense, paired with the #1 Defense, one of the top ST groups, and top coaching and front offices in the NFL have sniffed a SB in the Nineties? Probably more than sniffed.
nagawicka
September 20, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Yes, impossible to prove, not only b/c it's hypothetical-- but because the Pack had really good QB backups, fully capable of succeeding-- and that throws the Favre-and-only-Favre-sycphants posture permanently under the bus. Don't agree the offensive coaching staff wanted to start Brunell (though he easily would've excelled). Overwhelming sentiment seemed to be that Favre would start EVEN WHEN too injured to perform up to standard at the position, which cost us several games. Ironman myth is a useless indulgence when athletes can't step aside, take a breather, and wt actual f come back better next week.
nagawicka
September 20, 2024 at 12:06 pm
Reggie White and Edgar Bennett brought the Packers another Super Bowl; Favre & Homgren's incoherent abandonment of the running game cost them a 2nd Super Bowl against the Broncos. Without Reggie & the D they go nowhere.
Hunter, Tagge, Whitehurst, Campbell, Wright ALL had NO running game. NO defense. Thank you for making my point for me in a way I never could. ---> You can't win with subpar QB play, SO WHAT? [??] Brent Favre pass-happily struggled to get over the hump *and couldn't* -- 2 interceptions per game that's TWO/game vs. da Cowboys over and over and over again -- the Aikman-to-Irvin Zero (0) INTs winning out (handily!) over Favre's underperformance in a pass-happy offense that couldn't get it done until the Pack developed a running game and an overwhelming Defense.
Pass-first pass-only pass-happy offenses do not win championships. Edgar Bennett proved once & for all the running game makes the whole juggernaut engine go; Bob Schnelker ended all debate by proving that pass-first, pass-happy offenses do not work w/o the ability to run, control the ball, *and force* opposing offenses into pass-only mode where they're weaker.
13TimeChamps
September 20, 2024 at 03:38 pm
I hope I'm reading this wrong.
Edgar Bennett, a good/hardly great running back had more to do with Green Bay winning a Super Bowl than Favre and an "incoherent" Mike Holmgren.
Is that what you're actually suggesting? I think even Edgar Bennett would have good chuckle over that one.
nagawicka
September 21, 2024 at 10:14 pm
You are reading this wrong. Which does not support your conclusion.
LeotisHarris
September 20, 2024 at 04:59 pm
Scott Hunter had John Brockington and MacArthur Lane in the backfield. The 1972 team went 10-4 with Brockington rushing for over 1000 yards and Lane almost 900 in a 14 game season.
Bitternotsour
September 20, 2024 at 06:00 pm
Scott Hunter could barely throw a 10-yard out pattern. That team making the playoffs was a miracle and Dan Devine, though being much maligned, made the playoffs with a QB who had no business being in the NFL.
It was no wonder that Devine was so desperate for a QB he was willing to give away the future for Jon Hadl. It was a move that the Bears have emulated ever since.
LeotisHarris
September 20, 2024 at 08:45 pm
Slow your roll, little buddy, Captain Excitable said QBs W,X,Y and Z had NO running backs. I simply pointed out that at a moment in time, the 1972 season, the Packers with Scott Hunter under Center had a damn good running game.
nagawicka
September 21, 2024 at 10:12 pm
And what did Scott Hunter & his D do to capitalize on the ground game they had? Any titles?
Conversely, let's stop and count up all the championships Bob Schnelker's pass-happy, pass-first offense raked in with James Lofton and John JJ Jefferson, hm, HOW MANY Lombardi Trophies sit in Lambeau because Bob Schnelker's passing game rode the lightning? hm, must've been the receivers fault, s'why they went & got JJ and then didn't use him.
nagawicka
September 20, 2024 at 06:21 pm
That's just standard. What kind of defense did they have?
Okay then.
LeotisHarris
September 20, 2024 at 08:46 pm
No, you said none of those QBs had a running game. Hunter did in 1972. That's all. We don't need to escalate. It's that simple.
nagawicka
September 21, 2024 at 10:06 pm
Like, any running game? At all? Of course they had 'a' running game. Just not a dominant ball-control juggernaut that they were able to capitalize on, for real, on O *or* D (until Bennett/Levens). When did anyone say 'the running game makes the QB'? or 'Having a running game means you don't need a decent QB'. No one said these things.
LLCHESTY
September 20, 2024 at 08:37 pm
When's the last time a team with a real dominant running game won a ring? It's been awhile.
Bitternotsour
September 20, 2024 at 08:46 pm
The 85 bears?
LeotisHarris
September 20, 2024 at 08:49 pm
Likley 10 years or more. Maybe the ::cough:: 2014, oh, never mind..
Major Snafu
September 20, 2024 at 07:51 am
The pack wouldnt have led the league in rushing with a favre and rodgers. there ability to fling the ball made it hatder to stop the run.
My issue, you can get 25 yards with one pass, one play. While it make take 4 or five running plays to get there and you just heat up your own o line doing it.
For me the mx and match teams are the hardest to defend. Receivers need to get the ball or their skill set goes to hell
dobber
September 20, 2024 at 07:58 am
Whether it's Love or Willis on Sunday, the Packers must run the football with some effectiveness to keep their QB out of pressure situations. You can win football games without a decent running game, but it puts a lot of pressure on your defense to get off the field and not surrender long drives (besides the obvious pressure it puts on your OL and offensive playmakers).
Love will play this week. Tom Silverstein was pointing to the fact that the Packers like to practice guys coming off injury and let them sit an extra game, which would argue Love will sit and play v. MIN. But at this point, he's eaten up enough of Willis' practice reps this week that Willis wouldn't be ready for Sunday and they'd be putting themselves at a disadvantage. It's going to be Love, and he's going to need to play on schedule and have a run game that keeps him from having to gimp around very much. They could use called rollouts to get Willis away from pressure and into space, but I don't think they'll risk Love that way if they don't have to.
I like the fact that they can use the TN game to get Love back on his game before playing an important divisional game against MIN next week. I didn't like the idea of him coming in cold in that game.
nagawicka
September 20, 2024 at 12:28 pm
Running the ball is always a good way, meaning THE only real way to keep pressure off your QB. It isn't optional becaus you always want to keep pressure off your QB, off your offensivel line. Favre cost us games when we had Brunell but still insisted on playing with a broken thumb; same thing w/Rodgers, absolutely NO point in having a backup when Aaron insisted on playing injured, costing us games. LAST thing we need is Jordan Love, just standing there like a statue, like Lynn fvcking Dickey, allowing defenses to just tee off and cream an immobile QB. LaFleur'll be ready either way, but putting Love in for no good reason when he's not fully back & ready is a colossal blunder.
Lphill
September 20, 2024 at 10:38 am
a run game is important as well as balance but that was a hell of a lot of carries for Jacobs this early in the season.
Bitternotsour
September 20, 2024 at 10:59 am
And he's already suffering.
nagawicka
September 20, 2024 at 12:29 pm
It's the NFL and that's why you keep four running backs.
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 20, 2024 at 03:48 pm
They're a little thin at RB with 2 guys on IR.