Why and how they won: Green Bay Packers outlast San Diego Chargers
By Kenn Korb
Oct 18, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
James Starks
San Diego came into this game having one of the worst run defenses in the league so far, so it was easy to make the assumption that Green Bay would try to run the ball on them – and have success doing so.
That production just happened to come from a different source than we expected.
Starks actually got the start in this game, and he did quite well.
He’s the one who caught the touchdown pass on that first Packers drive, catching a 5-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers. He’s also the one who scored the second touchdown, breaking off a 65-yard run to the end-zone.
On the day he garnered 112 yards on the ground in only 10 carries, plus the one touchdown catch.
His contributions overshadowed a bad game from Lacy, who only saw 4 carries for 3 yards and a fumble (which was fortunately recovered by T.J. Lang).
While the ineffectiveness of Lacy is worrisome — and may point to deeper issues with him, whether it be injury-based or purely performance-related — having a capable option behind him in Starks lessens the damage being done by Lacy’s lack of good play.
Hopefully the bye week can help alleviate that problem, but even if it doesn’t Starks is proving yet again that he can be counted on in a pinch.
Next: Replacements