The team needs Sam Shields more than it needs Eddie Lacy. The offense is showing even with an injured WR group and basically no RB it can still put points on the board. The defense has proven that without its top three CB's, it can't cover or stop anyone worth a damn.
As for James Starks. The guy looks like he has lost a huge step and he didn't have a step to give. Maybe that was because of his knee that he had surgery on? We can only hope. I just wouldn't hold your breath.
Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool
I have gone back and forth on this many times and have decided it will come down to which side of the ball needs the help the most at that time. If the running game is not adequate the offense they are running now will be highly challenged against playoff teams with solid D's. Lacey is a load in the cold and that's when he's usually putting up good numbers.
I would certainly hope that when they get Rollins and Randle back along with Gunter getting more experience in the games ahead we will see an improved pass D.
If I had to guess on where MM is on this I believe it will be Lacey. He harps on how important a solid run game is going into the end of the season and I don't get the impression McCarthy wants to continue to rely on the current scheme on offense throughout the remainder of the year. I know he would like to have that big bowling ball in there when the snow starts flying.
The other issue is the concussion history with Shields. About 1 more of those and he's probably done based on how long these last two have taken for him to recover. Certainly the probability of him being gone for good would be much greater if it happens again this year vs. next.
"The train is leaving the station."