Packers: Running backs need more opportunities

Although through the first three games there has been success at times for the Green Bay Packers offense, overall they have struggled. The running game has shown the potential to be something special, but they are not getting enough carries to impact the game.

Relying on the run is an odd concept in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense, but given his health and the productivity we’ve seen from the backs, it could be an answer for this offense.

The running game through three weeks has shown a lot of potential, but for the second week in a row, they’ve abandoned it prematurely. Green Bay has a very deep backfield of Ty Montgomery, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.

In Week 2 against Minnesota, Montgomery and Williams were able to put up over 90 yards even though they were limited to just 21 carries. Then with the return of Jones in Week 3 against the Redskins, the trio only touched the ball 15 times.

Even with their limited attempts, the three running backs were all very effective when they were given the opportunity to carry the ball. Jones was able to put together 42 yards on just six attempts, including a 17-yard run.

Montgomery had 16 yards on just four carries, and Williams 29 yards on five carries. The trio averaged 5.8 yards per carry, but once again their opportunities were limited.

Since the Packers were down the entire game to the Redskins, some may point at that as the reason for a lack of a running game.

However, I disagree. For example, with 12:52 left in the second quarter, the Packers were down 14-3. Then with about seven minutes left in the third quarter, Green Bay found themselves down 28-17. In either situation, with the amount of time left on the clock, there was no reason to discontinue running the ball. Especially with the success the three backs were having.

Passing game has not been as effective

Unfortunately, head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Joe Philbin continue to use the approach of having Rodgers drop back and hope he can do something amazing. Which to his credit, he often does.

Against the Redskins, Rodgers put up 265 yards on 27 completions with two touchdowns. Even though they trailed for all of the game, there was no reason for Rodgers to have 44 passes when the running game was doing so well.

Green Bay’s receivers have struggled getting open down the field, leaving Rodgers to find someone running underneath or in the flat. Against Washington, Rodgers’ average pass attempt went just six yards before being caught by the receiver.

Against the Bears, the Packers ran a lot of quick passes to get the ball out of Rodgers’ hands and allowed his receivers to make plays. But in the last two weeks, short throws from Rodgers are out of necessity, due to the fact that no one is getting open and he’s run out of time in the pocket.

Moving forward Green Bay needs to give their backs more carries. All three of the running backs have big play potential, and it will ease some of the burden on an injured Aaron Rodgers.