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Green Bay Packers: How offense can be fixed in 2016

By Freddie Boston

Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates his first quarter touchdown catch with Jody Nelson against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) celebrates his first quarter touchdown catch with Jody Nelson against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Make decision on RB2

James Starks put together another solid season for the Packers, but he’s an unrestricted free agent. The Packers have a decision to make. Do they bring Starks back to Green Bay or find a replacement?

By bringing back Starks, they will ensure the 1-2 punch he forms with Eddie Lacy in the backfield remains intact. The duo didn’t reach the same heights we saw in 2014, but Starks did his job for the most part. He rushed for a career-high 601 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers won’t blow anyone away, but they’re fine for a complementary back.

Fumbles were an issue, and after coughing the ball up four times last season, the Packers may decide to let him test the market.

In such a case, they must be prepared to replace him. Would GM Ted Thompson be willing to do that in free agency, or would he turn to the draft? History would suggest he’s much more likely to take a rookie, but what if he opted for the free agency route?

Would Matt Forte come into play? At 30-years-old, the soon to be ex-Bear has indicated he wishes to play for a contender and isn’t necessarily chasing the money. At this stage of his career, not carrying the load of a premier back could be perfect for him, and playing behind Lacy would give him that opportunity.

Other interesting options include Lamar Miller and Bilal Powell, who could both help out in the passing game.

Whether Starks returns or not, the Packers need to ensure they have a capable RB2.

Next: No. 4

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