Running games, like passing games require timing and repetition. If we continue to become slightly more balanced and run the ball with consistency in terms of play calling it will improve.
We have enough beef and talent up front to do so.. I expect a more effective running game to develop with reps... regardless of the back behind it.
Once we balance it out.. our passing game with become even more effective.
Watching an entire weekend of football this weekend, I can tell you this much.. with the replacement refs in place, there is a ton more contact down field. Timing based passing games like ours are being effected more than stick route with less reads and more defined breaks. Additionally more vertical based routes are open vs crossing routes. Personally, this is the biggest effect the replacement refs are having on the game as we know it with the pass happy rules.. it is becoming an equalizer for the defense.
Unfortunately it is hurting our style of offense more than others.. we are read option type routes based on timing. Contact is effecting the passing offense. I am willing to bet illegal contact and pass interference penalties on the defense are down with PI calls on the offense being up because they are getting caught in retaliation so to speak. This makes sense due to the differing rules between the college and the pros... and why many Corners can't make the adjustment (Carroll comes to mind) because they are so used to contact being allowed.
So the running game for the Packers with this in mind becomes even more important this season.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"