nerdmann
14 years ago
http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com/blogs/gpg/insider/2011/06/21/scouts-inc-ranking-packers-running-backs-last-in-nfc-north/ 

Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. reviewed the NFC North running backs for a piece published on ESPN.com. He listed the Vikings as the No. 1 group in the division, followed by the Lions, Bears and Packers.

He wrote this about the Packers:

The Packers have quite a few options at running back — as they do at seemingly every position. But in this case, there isn’t one guy who stands out head-and-shoulders above the others.

Ryan Grant returns from an ankle injury that he suffered during the first week of the season and should be the lead ball carrier. A straight-ahead, no-nonsense runner, Grant has helped Green Bay sustain offense and adds a physical dimension to this side of the ball. He wasn’t very elusive or agile before his injury, so we need to take a wait-and-see approach. But with as much attention as the Packers’ passing game commands, a back like Grant should continue to be extremely effective. Before last season, Grant had put together seasons in 2008 and 2009 in which he eclipsed 1,200 yards on the ground. And Green Bay’s offensive line could be improved this year.

James Starks had a very interesting rookie season. He wasn’t expected to contribute at all but was thrust into the limelight and exceeded expectations. He is a bigger back with very good all-around skills as a runner, but he does run more upright than you would like and is almost built like a big wide receiver. Of course, the game that everyone remembers was the wild-card round in Philadelphia when he rushed for 123 yards and looked great doing it. But that was Starks’ only exceptional game. I am still torn on what to expect from Starks, but I think his second year will be a noticeable improvement on his first. Remember, Starks missed his senior season of college with an injury and began his NFL career on the PUP list. He should be much more prepared for the challenges of the NFL going into this season.

The Packers used a third-round pick on Alex Green, a big back who comes from a passing attack at Hawaii. While he runs more upright than you would like, Green can push the pile. He also is quite adept for a rookie at picking up the rush, and he catches the ball cleanly. He should be a nice addition to this backfield and insurance for Grant and Starks.

Brandon Jackson could be looking for a new team as a free agent. Jackson can contribute in spot duty on early downs, but what he does quite well is help in the passing game. He has really carved out a niche, and if he were to leave Green Bay, his loss might be felt more than many would expect. He picks up the blitz well, has soft hands and can run a variety of routes. Jackson finished the 2010 season with more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Guys like that are not as easy to find as some might think, and asking a rookie (Green) to duplicate Jackson’s contributions might not be wise, especially considering Aaron Rodgers‘ injury history.

Dimitri Nance probably will be on the outside looking in. He is a big, powerful runner but is not especially explosive or elusive.

Scouts Inc. wrote:



Grant: A straight ahead, no nonsense runner. I can agree with that.
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Zero2Cool
14 years ago

http://blogs.greenbaypressgazette.com/blogs/gpg/insider/2011/06/21/scouts-inc-ranking-packers-running-backs-last-in-nfc-north/



Grant: A straight ahead, no nonsense runner. I can agree with that.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 


Even if his own guy is in front of him, he still churns those legs forward!!
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zombieslayer
14 years ago
I'm fine with that ranking. The Vikings have the best RBs in the division and will come in last place. The Packers have the worst and will come in first place.

Interesting tidbit he brought up is we'll miss B-Jack. Yes, RBs like that are underrated. He picks up the blitz well and is a decent receiver.

Note once again I did NOT say he's a 1st and 2nd down RB.

Nance will be gone. He didn't impress anyone.

I hope what he says about Green is true.
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Laser Gunns
14 years ago

.

Nance will be gone. He didn't impress anyone.

Originally Posted by: zombieslayer 



he diddn't sound like a guy who could pick up a playbook very quickly...

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Greg C.
14 years ago
I think this analysis is spot-on. They seem to have everyone pegged just right. I hope for improved run blocking every year, but we never really get it. Who knows, maybe this year we will. It would be quite a luxury.
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dyeah_gb
14 years ago


I guess don't understand why the Lions RBs are second in the NFC North. It would be interesting to see his analysis of the bears and Lions. I don't need to see the Vikings analysis since I think AP is good but overrated. I did think his description of our RBs was pretty good. He echoed my feelings about Starks. Is it possible that we will see Starks grab the starting RB spot with good performance and not let go?
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Greg C.
14 years ago

I guess don't understand why the Lions RBs are second in the NFC North. It would be interesting to see his analysis of the bears and Lions. I don't need to see the Vikings analysis since I think AP is good but overrated. I did think his description of our RBs was pretty good. He echoed my feelings about Starks. Is it possible that we will see Starks grab the starting RB spot with good performance and not let go?

Originally Posted by: dyeah_gb 



I haven't read their take on the Lions either, but the Lions RBs are probably better than the Packers RBs, at least in terms of potential. Jahvid Best is a game breaker type, but he missed at least one game against the Packers, or wasn't at his best, because of an injury. They spent a high pick on another RB this year.
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warhawk
14 years ago
I have said this many times but if you go back and look at the rankings over the years the top passing teams most often do not rank highly in the run game. So the fact we are the top ranked passing team in the North but have the lowest ranked RB's or run game is of no surprise to me whatsoever. It is what it is. I would take what we have and what we do over having an AP and an offense with two big blocking TE's leaving a JFinley over on the sidelines or passing out of other run formations.

This is why I have not been excited when the topic of bringing in some top RB free agent for big bucks comes up. I just don't think we would receive the productivity or get back what is being paid for. Not when you look at the numbers.

In this league when you have a great QB you ride 'em. Period. How many games did AP win for the Vikings when their QB situation went south?

What we do have is a good combination. The RB's give us what we need as long as they are getting any kind of blocking up front at all and creates enough respect for defenses that they cannot unload on the guy that is the one who will get us to the SB.

So where do we rank when you consider the overall effectiveness of our RB's and QB as a combination? I think we all know the answer to that one.
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beast
14 years ago

I guess don't understand why the Lions RBs are second in the NFC North. It would be interesting to see his analysis of the bears and Lions. I don't need to see the Vikings analysis since I think AP is good but overrated. I did think his description of our RBs was pretty good. He echoed my feelings about Starks. Is it possible that we will see Starks grab the starting RB spot with good performance and not let go?

Originally Posted by: dyeah_gb 



I haven't read their take on the Lions either, but the Lions RBs are probably better than the Packers RBs, at least in terms of potential. Jahvid Best is a game breaker type, but he missed at least one game against the Packers, or wasn't at his best, because of an injury. They spent a high pick on another RB this year.

Originally Posted by: Greg C. 



I don't get the Lions being that high ether...

Best can seriously move and it's hard to catch him but he doesn't have lot of power to run between the tackles or to break tackles once you do catch him. (though their new RB does have lots of power)

Best averaged 3.2 yards per attempt with 171 carries for 555 yards last year.

Jackson averaged 3.7 yards per attempt with 190 carries for 703 yards last year.

Kuhn averaged 3.3 yards per attempt with 84 carries for 281 yards last year.


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