You have to be able to run the ball to open the offense up. If the opposing team knows the Packers are going 75/25 or more passing the ball they are going to game plan for exactly that. Where the Packers have improved is against teams that have set their game plan to defend the pass allowing for opportunity in the running game. There was a time when we couldn't run the ball even when the defense was saying "go ahead and try to run the ball." Those were most often very frustrating games to watch.
If you can run the ball it sets up play action and allows time for Rodgers to make plays vs. just lining up and going after him.
IMO the Oline is a very steady group. Keep in mind teams are going after Rodgers. They can't let him stand back there so they are bringing all sorts of pressure just like other teams see that have the top QB's. I think the Packers Oline does a very good job considering this. Factoring in a solid run game without doubt helps in this cause.
Sure, your going to gain more yards on a successful pass play than running the ball on average but what about the fact that the successful pass play happens, in part, because you have a decent running game. When a team has to play it straight up it allows successful plays to happen.
The Packers will probably have the best offense in the NFL and the run game will definately be a part of that. Now that they have developed a decent running offense it would be a huge mistake to decide you really don't need one. When this offense and Rodgers is clicking they are moving quickly interchanging pass and run right down the field and it's actually a beautiful thing to watch.
Don't screw with it.
Originally Posted by: warhawk
I still say, the offense is better off if we pass more - pass first, only run rarely as a diversion, etc.
Check the years where the Packers offense was the strongest; I'm pretty sure you will find a lot of games like that - 75/25 and then some. Last year with the commitment - to some extent anyway - to run a lot, the offense, while still outstanding, regressed a little bit.
No, you don't need to "run the ball to open the offense up" - pretty much the opposite. You pass and pass and pass, the the defense is spread and open for the run. As I said, the Packers O Line, while getting better, still doesn't open a lot of holes, especially when the D knows a run is likely. The O Line is not exactly super at pass protection either, but time after time, Aaron Rodgers has proved he can get it to his receivers even though he has to escape the pass rush.
A "decent running offense" with Lacy means out of ten carries, you might get 2 or 3 no gains, 1 or 2 "big" gains - 10-20 yards, and maybe 5-7 "decent" carries - maybe 3-6 yards. If Aaron Rodgers throws the ball ten times, even if the other team knows it's coming, at least 5 or 6 will be as good or better than those Lacy "big" gains and only maybe 2 or 3 will be incomplete or sacks. I rest my case hahahaha.
"Don't screw with it"? That was my line when they people first started yapping about this run first crap.
Expressing the Good Normal Views of Good Normal Americans.
If Anything I Say Smacks of Extremism, Please Tell Me EXACTLY What.