I'm going to side with this being spot-on correct. The Packers wanted a thumper to come in and hurt someone instead of having someone dance around. I do believe Rajon Neal is the better running back, although, if I need to wear down a defense or punish someone, I would have to go with Alonzo Harris.
Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool
Yes and got to also remember who the coach is as well... FB Sam Gash
The former sledgehammer of a fullback, Gash blocked for Curtis Martin from 1995-97 and Jamal Lewis in 2000 and 2002. He's one major reason Martin's career started with such a bang. Those three seasons—Martin's first in the NFL—the Canton-bound back rushed for 3,799 yards with 37 touchdowns and reached one Super Bowl
gazettextra.com wrote:
So let's see.... coach Gash has blocked for...
~ Curtis Martin (no non-sense, straight north / south runner and Hall of Fame Induction: 2012)
~ Antowain Smith (big boy at 6'2" ...230+ pounds)
~ Thurman Thomas (past his prime but still going and Hall of Fame Induction: 2007)
~ Jamal Lewis (big back who ran downhill at 245 and while is not in the Hall of Fame I think some could make a case that if only judged by his on the field play should be there some day)
~ Travis Henry (another physical runner, and barely 5’9” and he was 230 lbs)
So if Gash wants players like he played with, then 235+ pound, hard nose, hard running, down hill physical, Alonzo Harris fits right in! Also interesting facts I didn't know...
Curtis Martin and Mike McCarty were both at the University of Pittsburgh for two years at the same time.
Alex Van Pelt and Sam Gash were both on the Bills at the same time.