I don't think this is fair at all. Pass protecting and run blocking require different skill sets. You can't just flip a switch and 'coach' players to turn a weakness into a strength in one week. We're a pass first team and it's obvious why. Our running game was so good because of the fear Rodgers strikes into opposing defenses, but the fear has been gone for a month. Our backs were slicing through 6 man fronts, and it isn't just the numbers that have changed; it's the mentality as well. 6 men preparing for the pass while keeping an eye on the run versus 8 men anticipating the run. It is a huge change, and I think it's unfair to expect these guys to suddenly excel at it just because of a new game-plan or different coaching.

Did you see why we stopped running in those games? Were we getting anywhere on the ground against New York or Detroit? In NY Lacy had negative yards before contact. That is ridiculous. He literally had nowhere to go. And against Detroit we played ourselves into a hole, and had to pass to have a chance. It was the right strategy adjustment, just awful execution.

These guys played one of the worst games I've seen in a long time.
Why does that have to be all the fault of the coaches or the GM?
Could it be that they just got badly outplayed?
This is the first Rodgersless game where we got destroyed.

Originally Posted by: StoicFire 

Fair? How long has McCarthy had to coach up his OL to run the ball?

If he hasn't coached them to properly and effectively run block these last 4 years, then something is very wrong.

I wonder how Lombardi might have addressed your stance on this

Originally Posted by: play2win 

I do believe The Packers were among the leaders in rushing this year, even with Bulaga going down in pre-season.

Then it was EDS, then Barclay, then EDS again!!!!

Next man up, doesn't work that well for an O-line.

When the shuffling starts, that's when the problems begin!!!!

Take away any sort of a passing game and you're running game is pretty much doomed.

Just posted an article that says Rodgers prob. won't be ready this week and that The packers are thinking of shutting him down for the year.

This happens it's going to stay real ugly.

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan 

Injuries are a nice excuse, and "next man up" is a great slogan, but hanging on to that fails to address the very real problem this team has with player availability and a less than acceptable level of Strength & Conditioning.

Heads should roll:
Dom Capers
Shaun Slocum
Mark Lovat

Originally Posted by: play2win 

Injuries are a nice excuse, and "next man up" is a great slogan, but hanging on to that fails to address the very real problem this team has with player availability and a less than acceptable level of Strength & Conditioning.

Heads should roll.

Originally Posted by: play2win 

What about Tom Clements? Does he belong on that list at all?

Originally Posted by: Mucky Tundra 

Go back and look at ANY team who has had success at the running game, some just have a "superstar" running back, but very few do. Most successful running games is built behind A STARTING O-LINE THAT HAS BEEN TOGETHER FOR 3 YEARS +.

I think I said "next man up" doesn't work well for the O-line.

Believe what you want to believe, injuries to the starting O-line is the worst thing that can happen to a team.

Edit... I should say most teams, when you have The #1 QB in the league go down, that is worse!!!!

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan 

I totally agree. Just looking at the reasons "why" we haven't had a group we can count on there. Most of the problem is indeed injury. We've been one of the most injured teams for the last 4 seasons running, yet, McCarthy lets it slide, and Lovat keeps his job.

I don't get that.

Originally Posted by: play2win 

I put a lot of blame on The new agreement The Players signed.

Coaches only have so many practices they are allowed full contact, so many with full pads, no 2 - a - days!!!
Players just don't stay in "football shape" as well as they did in the past.

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan 

The Great evaluater speaks again!!!!!

Right there is the biggest problem some of you have, expecting 1 and 2 year guys to blossom into STARTING material right away.

Why you even mentioned Coleman is beyond me, he is gone, Newhouse IS THE ONE GUY who has been given ample chances to prove himself and hasn't.

McMillian chances this year have alway come after a late week injury popped up and he was thrown onto the field with hardly any practice time at the position he was playing.

ROOKIES AND 2ND YEAR GUYS MAKE MISTAKES!!!!!!!!!


You want to fault Ted Thompson, go ahead, he is the one that year after year brings in these guys, hoping they will get the chance to develope, but as history has shown us, because of injury after injury they have to play when they are not ready.

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan