Green Bay Packers: Five players who must step up vs. Texans

James Starks

When Aaron Rodgers takes the ball from center, opposing defenses know there’s less chance than ever it’s destined for the running back. Per Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Mike McCarthy “has called pass plays on 72 percent of his offensive snaps, compared to 28 percent traditional run plays” this season. From 2006 to 2015 that number was between 62 and 66 percent, with the lone exception coming in 2013, when Rodgers missed half the year with a broken collarbone.

The reason behind the dramatic rise in passing attempts isn’t because McCarthy doesn’t want to run a balanced offense. Quite the opposite. Since Eddie Lacy hurt his ankle, the Packers have lacked a legitimate threat on the ground, ranking 23rd in rushing offense with just four touchdowns, three belonging to the quarterback.

James Starks needs to elevate his game. Averaging just 2.5 yards per carry from his 57 attempts, the Packers should have no fears of seeing a stacked box anytime soon.

Given the defensive struggles, winning time of possession by executing long, sustained drives becomes all the more important. Running the football successfully allows you to do this.

With Lacy on the shelf the rest of the year, the Packers need Starks to step up.