Mike McCarthy can be stubborn. We all know that.
But it’s time the Green Bay Packers’ head coach wises up and ditches the idea that Ryan Grant can be an inside-the-tackles runner.
Too many times, particularly in Sunday’s 36-17 win over the St. Louis Rams, McCarthy had Grant running the ball right into the middle of the line. I know, with the zone-blocking scheme, the plan is for Grant to get his cutback lane, plant his foot and go.
But the cutback lanes simply aren’t there. And it’s not looking like they’re going to develop any time soon. The result of them lacking is Grant running the ball into a pile for an awful one-or-two yard gain.
Not only that, but the pounding Grant will take in those collisions is likely going to lead to an injury at some point.
The Packers have got to start focusing on getting Grant outside the tackles. That’s where he shines. That was obvious Sunday as every time Grant got outside, he was picking up at least solid yardage. Plus, he’s not the most punishing runner, so getting him outside will lead to more matchups with corners and safeties – the types of players Grant could overwhelm.
Let DeShawn Wynn or (when finally healthy) Brandon Jackson handle the inside duties and put Grant in a position where he can fully display his game-breaking talents.
Packers catch a case of the dropsies
For all the talent at the receiver position, the Packers sure are having trouble hanging on to the damn ball, aren’t they?
The Packers dropped at least two more passes Sunday – one by James Jones and one by Jordy Nelson. I’m not even sure how many that makes for the season; suffice to say, it’s been far more than any of us expected.
Both drops against the Rams were inexcusable as they came on passes that, if you’re an NFL receiver, you have to catch.
Nelson is starting to become troublesome. He’s dropped at least three passes this season, by my count, and doesn’t seem to have the same confidence he had as last season went on.
Jones continues to show why, with all his talent, he’s stuck in the No. 3 receiver spot. He can make the big play from time-to-time, but struggles with being a consistent pass catcher. That’s got to improve if he’s ever going to fully realize his abilities.
RAJI TIME!!
Finally – finally – we saw the debut of first-round pick B.J. Raji (RAJI!) on Sunday.
Raji played a handful of snaps, mostly at defensive end.
He looked like I thought he would (i.e., rusty) as he failed to record any defensive statistics. Still, he showed good power on a couple of plays and did draw a holding penalty at one point.
Most importantly, he was able to get his feet wet before the game against the Queens next Monday night. Hopefully, his ankle didn’t suffer any further injury and he’ll be more game ready next time so he can make Judas’ life a living hell.
Injury update
It sounds like the Packers, for the most part, made it out of the game fairly healthy.
Shocking, I know.
Greg Jennings did some further damage to his already injured wrist but was able to return. Sounds like he’s fine.
Same goes for Jones, who suffered a dislocated finger. He was also able to return.
-Chris Lempesis
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