We don't have to be a dynamic running team to win it, but we do have to run it effectively enough to assist the offensive line to help keep the defensive line in check.

Note how well the offensive line has played since we started to mix in the run from our passing sets.. it effectively "pauses" the defensive line. Which in turn reduces the all out pass rushes within the game, the defense at least has to check off the run before getting up field.

Also, it was a thing of beauty to see a number of 3rd and less than three's the past couple weeks.. it opens up the playbook for more of the playaction stuff and leads to more open passing lanes and deeper routes down the field.

IMO, one has little to complain about in MM playcalling the past 4 weeks.. balancing it up with the occasional run/draw out of 3 and 4 wide sets.

Oh the one other benefit of running the ball.. the offensive line gets to attack the defense instead of the inverse.. which will wear down a defensive line quicker than allowing them to pin their ears back an entire game.

We don't have a dynamic running attack.. but that doesn't mean the running attack can't help us win games. It does so much to set the table for the passing game that many overlook.

---

Tom Nalen (former C for Broncos) coaches football in the area and he said there's no question about it, OL would rather run block than pass block. When asked why. He said 'as a run blocker, you get to hit the defense, you get to wear them down and it makes a huge difference at the end of the game' ... then the announcer dude says what about pass? He said 'when you pass block, you tend to get worn out faster because you're shielding the defenders off instead of hitting them and driving them into the ground'.

Someone answered my question.

---

Isn't that the same thing I said in the post directly in front. 😉

---

I dunno. I didn't read your post. Too many grammar issues. 😛


But, in all, I didn't see you mention Tom Nalen, at all. So, ... 😛 x 10

---

Well at least someone notices.. I have been trying for weeks to get the fucking Gestapo of Grammar to ride my ass rather than Finley's via blunt force grammatical mistakes, but apparently he only has eyes for one perpetrator. ;)



Anywho.. color me bubbly that MM is mixing in the run via similar sets and giving the edge back to the offensive line so to speak.. letting our blocking improve thus giving Aaron and the passing game more to work with.

Conjuring up my best Hopper voice.. "Bad Things, man" for the opposing defenses.

---

I don't think we'll win more than 2 playoff games without a legitimate running game.

---

I will take effective running like we have seen the past couple weeks if we can establish it... It would be awesome to have a dynamic running game with a household name toting the rock.. but you can win with effective play calling and execution teamed with a dynamic passing game and taking care of the ball.

2010 Packers

Averaging 101 rush yards per game.

1996 Packers

Averaged 114 rush yards per game.

Pro Football Reference as a source for the numbers.

*Found an error.. added an extra zero.. the 1996 season we averaged 1.5 turnovers a game.. not 1.41.

---

OK, folks. Watch, and learn.


Notice anything there? If you don't, I'll tell you what - it doesn't matter.

Now, this is how you win games. Ready folks?


Wow. Now, if that isn't more obvious, I don't know what to tell you. I give up. Seriously, I just give up.

Defense. Defense. Defense.
Defense. Defense. Defense.
Defense. Defense. Defense.
Defense. Defense. Defense.
Defense. Defense. Defense.
Defense. Defense. Defense.

Now instead of panicking about the lack of a running game, how about giving a little bit of appreciation to Dom Capers.

And pardon my French, folks. I'm just pretty sick of saying the same thing over and over again.

Defense. Defense. Defense.

Thank you Dom Capers. You saved the Green Bay Packers.

EDIT: Sorry about the foul language. Cleaned up.

---

Hmmm.. wonder why I left those defensive stats in my graph. ;)

Now for Zombie.. then why always debate the pass verse run?

Revving up the french skills some more. 😉

---

Sorry for losing my cool, Pack. I'm just sick of this argument.
Love you man. But I've been saying the same thing over and over again.

D is our #1 priority. And this is coming from a guy who can't stand a defensive struggle.

FYI - Our D rankings when we won our 3 SBs - 1st, 3rd, 1st.

And to answer your question, Aaron is the man. That's why I want us to pass. I have tons of faith in Aaron Rodgers, and this is coming from a Brett Favre fan.

---