If the game Sunday against the Carolina Panthers doesn’t illuminate why the Green Bay Packers never are going to get the most yards possible from their running game, few others will.

The fickle finger of blame for not running it enough almost always points to coach Mike McCarthy, the guy who sends in the plays to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

It seems like more weeks than not, McCarthy explains that he intended to run the ball more in the previous game, but circumstances led to Rodgers keeping the ball in his own hands over giving it to the running backs.

In the 31-24 loss to the Panthers, for instance, Packers running backs had 13 carries for 77 yards (5.9 average).

On Monday, McCarthy said he would have liked to “get the ball handed off five or six more times”, which had the per-carry average held up would have put the Packers over the 100-yard mark. Given rookie Aaron Jones had gains of 23 and 20 yards on two of his three runs, it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t have wanted Jones to get 20 carries himself.

What McCarthy didn’t reveal is how many times Rodgers changed the play at the line of scrimmage from a run to a pass. It’s not clear how many plays McCarthy sent in that were “run-pass options” or RPOs, but the ability to change plays based on the defense’s positioning is a staple of the offense.

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Tom Silverstein wrote:

Stat whoring, anyone?

One of the reasons I didn't want him to "go sandlot" in this game was because of the arm strength issue coming back from the injury. We saw the results on the field (and on the scoreboard.) Another issue was the hits he would potentially be taking.

Stay within yourself, lean on the run game, move the damn chains.

Does Mike have the authority to overrule Aaron?

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

but circumstances led to Rodgers keeping the ball in his own hands over giving it to the running backs.

So let me get this straight, you are complaining when, by some accounts, the greatest QB of all time comes to the line and sees the defense is geared to shut the run down. He feels that he needs to switch the play to a pass. And you think that is bad?
He engineered an offense that had 384 yards and 24 points. Typically enough to win a lot of games. The defense gave up 387 yards and 31 points. Typically too much to win most of the time.

I will trust Aaron's play calling wisdom every time.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

So let me get this straight, you are complaining when, by some accounts, the greatest QB of all time comes to the line and sees the defense is geared to shut the run down. He feels that he needs to switch the play to a pass. And you think that is bad?
He engineered an offense that had 384 yards and 24 points. Typically enough to win a lot of games. The defense gave up 387 yards and 31 points. Typically too much to win most of the time.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

I will trust Aaron's play calling wisdom every time.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

Rodgers said, “I’m not coming back to save the team.”

There’ s yer sign!

This messiah complexed piece of crap saw himself as our savior and in the greatest TEAM game he played solo-bitch.

Originally Posted by: Barfarn 

I want to be educated. I want to learn. Humans being educated is the single most important thing humans do; because it ensures their survival. I love education.

Now teach me how 3 INTs didn't affect this "expert" stat analysis or defensive's stat production.

If person A presents anything but, the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth to support an idea; Person A knows in their own heart that their idea is unsupportable on the facts

Originally Posted by: Barfarn 

There you are! Steven "WPR" Bartman!

Said like any gushing 12 year old girl over a rock-star… “Oh, Aaron I love you ahhh…hhhhhhh [Body shaking uncontrollably with a continuous ear-piercing high-pitched exhaling scream done to the point of fainting].”

Have some god damn pride!

Rodgers said, “I’m not coming back to save the team.”

There’ s yer sign!

This messiah complexed piece of crap saw himself as our savior and in the greatest TEAM game he played solo-bitch.

And make no mistake: MEN that are preached at hourly about playing within the scheme RESENT anyone who gets away with not doing it. These guys may not say anything; but there’s a hesitation and edge lost when it comes to sacrificing one’s body or stats for the good of the team when #12 wont do it.

Most of you were children when you played sports and carry and apply that child-like thinking to your GB fanness. But, think more of how you feel on your job, when other receive favored treatment.

Originally Posted by: Barfarn