Packers All-Decade Team: Aaron Rodgers leads the way
By Jesse Fry
Running backs
Like much of the NFL, the Packers’ main contributors at running back haven’t really lasted long. Running backs have the shortest lifespan in the NFL so it’s no surprise the Packers haven’t had one dominant back. The Packers have gotten good production from the position for most of the last 10 years but there are two that stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Eddie Lacy (2013-2016)
Coming into the 2013 season, the Packers desperately needed a running back. Aaron Rodgers was on top of his game but pairing him with even a decent running game could put the Packers over the edge. The Packers tried Ryan Grant, DuJuan Harris, Cedric Benson, Alex Green and James Starks. But none of them could either stay healthy or effective.
Eddie Lacy then fell to the Packers in the second round of the 2013 draft. It appeared to be a match made in heaven. Lacy was a wrecking ball in the run game barreling through, over and even around defenders. He made the Pro Bowl in his rookie year and was a large reason the Packers were able to hang in the 2013 NFC North division race. Lacy rushed for 1,178 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2013, earning him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
The season 2014 was an even better one for Lacy as a healthy Rodgers lightened the box for him and he was able to be even more effective. His style was the perfect complement to the Packers passing offense. His rushing totals were almost identical (1,139 yards, nine touchdowns) with 40 fewer carries. Lacy also picked up his production in the passing game, jumping from 257 yards receiving to 427 with four touchdowns.
Lacy’s career in Green Bay only lasted four seasons. Sadly, weight issues pushed Lacy out of the NFL and stopped a once promising career. But he gave the Packers two great seasons and was a fan favorite. Had he been able to stay in shape, he would’ve made the perfect complement for the Packers’ current running back and the other back to make the team…
Aaron Jones (2017-Present)
Aaron Jones is in the process of putting together the best season for a running back since Lacy’s 2014 campaign. Jones is a dual threat on offense, proving equally effective in the run and pass game. Jones has been the offensive MVP for the Packers in 2019 as the team usually ebbs and flows with Jones’ production.
Drafted in 2017, Jones’ career is just beginning. He has the potential to be the Packers’ feature back for the next few years. Injuries got Jones’ career off to a slow start, but his potential could be seen since his first start at Dallas in Week 5 when he rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown. Like Lacy, Rodgers was injured in Jones’ rookie year and we never got to see the full potential of Jones with Rodgers.
That didn’t change much in his second year as Coach McCarthy used Jones sparingly before another injury shortchanged his year.
This season, we are finally seeing it and we all like what we see.
Jones’ career star hasn’t yet reached the production of Lacy’s top two seasons, but he is the most explosive back the Packers have had since Ahman Green. He is a threat to take it the distance every time he touches the ball and has improved greatly as a pass protector.
If Lacy could have stayed healthy and in shape, him and Jones would have made the perfect duo for the Packers. A thunder-and-lightning situation with Lacy’s power game complemented by Jones’ electricity.
Fullback: John Kuhn (2010-2015)
If there was one player who embodied what it means to be a Green Bay Packer, it was John Kuhn. Kuhn was a hard-nosed fullback who did everything the right way and the classic underdog.
Absolutely adored by the fans, “KUUUUUHHHHNNN” chants would fill Lambeau Field every time he touched the ball. All were sad to see him go after the 2015 season. But we can all embrace Kuhn in his new role with the Packers’ team site and be thankful for his 22 touchdowns between 2010-15.