Nonstopdrivel
15 years ago

Feb 15, 2010 11:53pm
Packers offseason position-by-position: RBs 

Second in a series.

By JASON WILDE

jwilde@espnmilwaukee.com

The good news: The underappreciated Grant had an outstanding season, especially when you consider that he plays in a pass-first offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and air-centric play-caller Mike McCarthy. With 282 carries for 1,253 (4.4-yard average) and 11 touchdowns, Grant ranked seventh in the NFL in yardage, tied for 21st (with two NFC Pro Bowl selections, Minnesotas Adrian Peterson and St. Louis Steven Jackson) in yards-per-carry and tied for seventh in rushing touchdowns. Not bad for a guy many Packers fans complain incessantly about. Heres another stat that wasnt too shabby: In those 282 carries, Grant did not lose a fumble. So while he may not be as dominating as Tennessees Chris Johnson or as electrifying as Peterson, hes steady, reliable and solid. There are plenty of teams whod happily accept that kind of productivity.

The bad news: General manager Ted Thompsons decision to keep three fullbacks veterans Kuhn and Hall and rookie fifth-round pick Quinn Johnson coming out of training camp, it became a cause clbre among fans frustrated with some of his personnel decisions. Granted, plenty of teams around the league manage just fine with only one fullback on the roster, but all three players deserved roster spots on their own merits, based on their roles offensively (Kuhn), on special teams (Hall) or potential (Quinn). It just made for an odd 53-man roster mix to have all three while sacrificing at other positions. Now, with Kuhn headed for restricted free agency for the second straight year thanks to the free-agency rules that come with the 2010 uncapped year, and Hall having battled various injuries for the second consecutive season, its reasonable to wonder whether all three will be back.

The big question: Can the Packers find a true change-of-pace back?

By seasons end, the roles in the Packers backfield had been clearly defined: Grant was the franchise back and workhorse; Jackson was the third-down back who picked up blitzes brilliantly and caught the ball out of the backfield; and Green was the veteran insurance policy who handled most of the short-yardage situations. Green, who turns 33 today, doesnt appear to have much left in the tank and seems unlikely to return. The team still hasnt given up hope with DeShawn Wynn, despite his inconsistent play and inability to shake the injury bug, but time is running out for him to finally show his worth. And while Jackson is terrific in pass protection and has shown some flashes when given the opportunity to run the ball, but theres reason to question whether hed be able to handle the role of every-down back if the ultra-durable Grant were sidelined for an extended period of time. Thus, adding a young, dynamic back wouldnt be the worst thing for Thompson to do this offseason, although there are more pressing needs. At the very least, it would be interesting to add a Leon Washington-type change-of-pace back or an athlete who could bring the Wildcat wrinkle to the offense.


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go.pack.go.
15 years ago
You know, I like the idea of Leon Washington. He's a fast guy and can return kicks. Would be a good pick up IMO.
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zombieslayer
15 years ago
I admire Washington as well. However I stopped watching the Jets last year and now saw he only played 7 games. What happened?

Yes, Grant is underappreciated. I'd seriously rather have him than probably every starting RB but 5 or 6. Why? He doesn't fumble.

Would like to pickup a screen guy. I don't think Jackson is it. Wynn can't stay on the field. I doubt we enter the season with 3 FBs either.
My man Donald Driver
UserPostedImage
(thanks to Pack93z for the pic)
2010 will be seen as the beginning of the new Packers dynasty. 🇹🇹 🇲🇲 🇦🇷
toronto_cheesehead
15 years ago
Washington got injured.

I'd like to see us add Dexter McCluster. He worked out at WR at the Senior Bowl, so we could bring him in as the number 5 wideout/KR/PR, and then move into the backfield as a change of pace back. Then we could keep Jackson as a pass protector and Green as a short yardage back.
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gergobacsi
15 years ago
What about Stafon Johnson as kind of a sleeper?
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IronMan
15 years ago

Grant is underappreciated.

"zombieslayer" wrote:

15 years ago
No team will ever have the perfect roster for a sustained period of time.

It's the business aspect of things.

Ryan Grant is more than enough for this offense. At most, a speedy foil would be a bonus but for the most part, we are set for atleast two/three more years with Ryan Grant.

With the emergence of Finley, along with what was already a potent pass offense, Ryan Grant is more than enough, especially considering his core characteristics - Solid and for the most part - error-free (Hardly fumbling)

Some players are perfect fits. Grant fits. Teams know we can move the ball on the ground adequately.
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Zero2Cool is my captain.
Stevetarded
15 years ago

Grant is underappreciated.

"IronMan" wrote:

"zombieslayer" wrote:



In 2010 he will be one of the highest paid RBs in the NFL. I doubt he feels very underappreciated.
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Fan Shout
Zero2Cool (1-May) : Packers did not activate the fifth-year options for linebacker Quay Walker, with the goal of signing him to a contract extension.
Zero2Cool (1-May) : Matthew Golden spoke with Randall Cobb before draft. Looked like chance encounter.
packerfanoutwest (1-May) : from a head left turn?
packerfanoutwest (1-May) : someone drunk?
Zero2Cool (1-May) : Unlikely.
dfosterf (30-Apr) : How long until Jeff Sperbeck's family sues John Elway ?
Zero2Cool (30-Apr) : Packers are exercising the fifth-year option on DT Devonte Wyatt, locking in a guaranteed $12.9M for the 2026 season.
beast (30-Apr) : Sounds like P Luke Elzinga has a rookie try out opportunity from the Titans
dfosterf (30-Apr) : Luke Elzinga Punter Oklahoma stil unsigned. Green Bay has been mentioned as good fit
beast (30-Apr) : The Packers re-signed three exclusive rights free agents WR Melton, P Whelan and RB Wilson.
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : February 5, 2002 (age 23) ok no. packers.com is wrong
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : Micah Robinson is only 19??
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : 6 first rounders on Packers defense now
Zero2Cool (29-Apr) : LB Isaiah Simmons. Signed. Called it!!! Oh yeah!
Martha Careful (29-Apr) : ty bboystyle...fat fingers
bboystyle (29-Apr) : Tom*
Martha Careful (28-Apr) : RIP Packer Safety Tim Brown
beast (27-Apr) : Yeah, but also some of the wording suggestions Jax only pranked called the QB, not the others... and if he had an open spreadsheet & 3 calls
beast (27-Apr) : Thank goodness he's not leaving the Turtle in the Red Tide
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Cowboys 1st round pick Tyler Booker will indeed be bringing his pet turtle to Dallas with him
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : that contained all prospects info and contact
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : beast, according the Falcons statement Jax came across it on an ipad. If I had to guess, probably an open spread sheet or something
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Simmons put up an emoji with cheese.
beast (27-Apr) : Not sure anyone is interested in Isaiah Simmons... Collin Oliver might of taken his potential slot
beast (27-Apr) : I'm going with Jax Ulbrich is not telling the whole truth... he accidentally came across it? Why would a defensive coordinator have a QB #?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : He's not that great, but final piece of the script.\
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : If we add Isaiah Simmons, book your Super Bowl tickets
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Colts 1st round TE Tyler Warren also got prank called, was that Jax Ulbrich as well?
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Jax Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich’s son, released an apology for his role in the Shedeur Sanders prank call.
Martha Careful (27-Apr) : apparently he did not participate in practice or play on the east west shrine game nor the NFL combine. The kid was a mediocre spoiled brat
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : Yeah that one that was a super wounded duck that Sanders supporters are highlighting to prove a point
Zero2Cool (27-Apr) : Shough is the guy who missed guys at combine isn't he?
beast (27-Apr) : It's not official until I'm dead! I have a chance still! (Not really)
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : I could feel my body decomposing in real time when I read that
Mucky Tundra (27-Apr) : @MIKEYSAINRISTIL Tyler Shough will officially be the last person drafted to the NFL born in the 1900’s
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : saw the tweet, he meant the city
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : Was that for the team or the city?
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter · 3m Draft grade is in: Green Bay gets an A. The people, the city, the venue were all superb. NFL Draft’s next
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matt LaFleur says Jaire Alexander is participating in #Packers offseason program, which has been conducted virtually during this first week
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : ✅ ...
buckeyepackfan (26-Apr) : Check
Zero2Cool (26-Apr) : Matthew Golden cahanged 81 to 22??
TheKanataThrilla (26-Apr) : Sam Howell to Vikings...guess no Aaron
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : 1 round 7 min, with one extra minute if there is a trade. 2nd round 4 minutes, 3rd -3, 2 thereafter IMO
Martha Careful (26-Apr) : Agree
dfosterf (26-Apr) : Great idea imo
dfosterf (26-Apr) : 1st round to 7 minutes with one extension
dfosterf (26-Apr) : NFL comissioner wants to shorten the 2st
Mucky Tundra (26-Apr) : @jalenreagors They’re discussing if Sheduer can go back to college on NFL Network LMFAOOOOO
beast (26-Apr) : Great point Martha
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