Zero - Good point.

I hope you're right. I hope the sample size is too small and in 2011, we see the after burner speed in Starks that Grant has already proven he has.

Originally Posted by: zombieslayer 

Anyone else think they will play Grant & trade him off before the trade deadline. They will see how Starks is playing and if Green steps up, it could clear some cap for the following year too.

I am not saying I would want this to happen but who knows, what are the possibilities that this could happen?

Originally Posted by: shield4life 

Zero - Yeah, I know what you mean. That's why I'm not keeping my hopes up that he'll have after burner speed.

However, people read that and they think I don't like Starks. I'm a big fan for a completely different reason. Grant & Starks are apples and oranges. Grant goes down easily. But he's good for a 20 yard run once a game and every once in awhile will bust a really long one.

Starks on the other hand never gets stopped at the line. He's like John Riggins. He punishes the guy tackling him.

Both styles I want to see on our Packers.

Originally Posted by: zombieslayer 

...my research said that elite RBs actually HURT the team as they take too many carries away from the passing game.

zombieslayer wrote:

At least you don;t have to worry about that theory of yours...with either Grant or Starks.


I am somewhat amused by you guys arguing Grant Vs Starks.
....reminds me of the old "who's the skinniest kid at fat camp debate"🤣

Originally Posted by: vikesrule 

All it takes is one look. James Starks came to Green Bay a new player this season.

For one, he's finally healthy. Injuries have dogged the running back since his junior year at the University at Buffalo. And two, he's bigger. Following a strict diet, Starks added eight pounds this offseason. He's up to 225.

Considering Starks is already taller than his peers at 6-foot-2, adding bulk was a good idea. Now, he hopes it helps him in the battle for carries with Ryan Grant.

"I'm just going to go out there and play," Starks said. "I'm sure coaches will put me in a great situation to perform. If I do what I'm supposed, everything will work out for itself."

Once he was finally healthy and in the lineup, the rookie had a postseason-high 315 yards a year ago. Green Bay's lackluster rushing game received an antibiotic when it mattered most. Heading into year two, Starks didn't want to weather another nagging hamstring injury.

So this offseason, he visited a nutritionist. After the consultation, he got onto a gluten-free diet. No more regular protein shakes for this guy. In the past, the Niagara Falls, N.Y., native thought that carbohydrates were paramount.

Not anymore.

"My body didn't react to it the right way," Starks said. "That played a big part in the healing process taking so long. As soon as I got on the diet, I started picking up weight and feeling a lot stronger."

New and improved, Starks has had a strong camp so far. He has been decisive, all while playing with a lower center of gravity. To avoid injury, he knows that's key. And whereas last year was about learning plays and getting acclimated, Starks says he's taking more a take-charge approach this summer.

Case in point, Thursday night. During red zone work, Starks violently barreled over safety Anthony Bratton.

Grant remains the No. 1 back right now. Back from his season-ending ankle injury, he's been working with the first team and playing well himself. But as all players at this position know, things can change on a dime during the course of the season.

Mike McCarthy prefers the hot hand. Sorry fantasy football junkies.

"We have a lot of backs," Starks said. "So if somebody's not doing what they're supposed to, I'm sure (McCarthy) will be able to count on any one of us. All of us are like brothers. We stick up for each other. If one's slacking, we try to pick that person up."

JSO wrote:

--- After talking about his new diet earlier in the day, James Starks went on to have one of his best practices. The second-year back had a pair of runs in 11-on-11 action Friday that opened eyes. On one run to the right side, he patiently let defenders wash down and then cut upfield for 15-20 yards. And on an inside run, he showed a second gear. Starks took one quick cut and was in the second level for what could have been a long touchdown.

Coach Mike McCarthy definitely took note.

"He's as explosive as he was in the playoffs," McCarthy said. "You saw James Starks at 100 percent in the playoffs. He is a little bigger...I think he looks more powerful than he did last year. He puts his foot down and gets to that second level. He's had a very good camp. He came in great shape."

Practices only do so much for running backs. The true first test for Starks, Ryan Grant and all the backs will be Aug. 13 in Cleveland.

JSO wrote: