The Green Bay Packers scored a big win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, a close 17-14 victory that saw them improve to 2-2 on the season. While the win saw huge improvements in some key areas, there's still one glaring issue at running back.
Coming into the game, it was no secret that the Packers' running back group hadn't been great throughout its first three games. While the offensive line has been rough, most of the Packers' running back options simply haven't played well.
Many hoped that, with a fresher offensive line stepping into the game, the run game would produce a bit more. It just wasn't the case.
While the Packers finally generated some positive rushing plays on Sunday, including a 31-yarder by Kaleb Johnson and a 27-yarder from Chris Brooks, it's pretty clear that more help is required.
Packers should give Pierre Strong Jr. an opportunity from the practice squad
So, where does that leave the Packers?
Josh Jacobs is still away from the team, and it's unclear when, or if, he'll return. There are limited free-agent options out there, and no trade market has really appeared yet this early in the season, nor is it likely the Packers would spend draft capital on a running back just yet. That leaves just one single option: the practice squad.
Luckily for Green Bay, they do have a running back there. Pierre Strong Jr., who has spent time with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns, waits in the wings for a chance with Green Bay. While he's also never had a full workload in the NFL, the Packers simply can't rely on their current committee.
Strong impressed in the preseason and deserves an opportunity.
While it's unknown if they will, the team should bring up Strong next week ahead of its game against the Chicago Bears, and at least see what they have in the player. There's nothing to lose in terms of production as they are already getting very little, and at least if Strong doesn't pan out, you know exactly where you stand in terms of talent on the roster.
Packers' running back room needs fresh faces
On Sunday, the Packers once again went with a running back-by-committee approach. Johnson (eight) and MarShawn Lloyd (seven) split carries for the most part, while Brooks also got four carries of his own before leaving with an ankle injury.
Behind an offensive line that featured some new faces and showed significant improvement, the Packers' running game actually did its best, earning 86 yards on the ground, but it wasn't without any issues.
While Lloyd did have one big play late in the game that saw him hurdle a defender, the simple fact is that he doesn't seem to be a solid NFL player yet. The Packers hoped his shiftiness and speed would perfectly complement Josh Jacobs' rushing style, but instead, Lloyd just looks a bit too lost on any given run.
He finished the game with just 13 yards on seven attempts, and too often looks to be trying to make moves where he shouldn't, which results in immediate stops for the defense.
His partner in the running game, Johnson, has a different issue. He has actually displayed the skills necessary to be a competent running back in the league. Johnson had 42 rushing yards on eight attempts (although 31 of those came on one play) and seemed to at least be able to generate some positive yardage on plays.
However, ball security is a major issue for Johnson. The running back lost a fumble at the 2-yard line in the fourth quarter, turning what would've been a two-score game into a chance for the Bucs to win. It's his second fumble already this season.
After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur said "a great teacher is the bench" when asked about the Packers' fumbling issues.
While Lloyd can't handle a full workload due to skill, Johnson seemingly can't due to ball security issues. Brooks, the third running back in the rotation, has mostly been used as a pass-blocking back throughout his time on the team, and seems set in that role.
One thing is for certain, though, and it's that the Packers won't stop running the ball. If they plan on committing to establishing it, however frustrating that might be, then a new running back must emerge from somewhere to do it.
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