Why They Won: Green Bay Runs Down Dallas
By Kenn Korb
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Dual-Headed RB Attack
The big headline could be a return to form for the offense, but that would be somewhat misleading.
Despite garnering 28 points, the offense still wasn’t quite at what we came to expect before this year. There were struggles to convert on third down, and the ball wasn’t being tossed around like hot fire in the passing game.
Where it did succeed was in the running game.
Dec 13, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes with the football during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
After issues kept Eddie Lacy in the coach’s doghouse last week, he was back on top this week, acting as that bowling ball power back that we thought we would see all season. He racked up 124 yards on 24 carries, along with a touchdown when Green Bay was pulling away for their final victory margin.
This wasn’t a one-man show however.
James Starks got into the action plenty himself, adding in at least as much value to the game as Lacy. He put up 71 yards on 11 carries while also attributing 4 catches for 32 yards. He burst through the defense for two touchdowns on the day as well; his 13 yard TD catch gave Green Bay their early lead while his 30 yard TD run essentially clinched the contest late.
In all, these two provided most of Green Bay’s 230 rushing yards on the day — the most they’ve ever had under Mike McCarthy, and most for Green Bay since 2003.
That performance allowed the offense to not force things in the passing game, and it allowed the team to hold onto the ball for a 37:48-22:12 advantage in time of possession.
They likely aren’t going to have this large of a statistical impact most weeks, but the combined presence of these two definitely gives Coach McCarthy a trustworthy option to turn to for some consistency on offense when the Packers need it.
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