Forget About Lacy - Where Was James Starks for the Packers?
Much of the fans' and media's attention Monday morning has been on the absence of "starting" running back Eddie Lacy in the Green Bay Packers' 27-20 win over the San Diego Chargers. While his limited and poor play are legitimate concerns, I found something else perplexing.
Why did James Starks only have 10 carries the entire game?
On Green Bay's 5 drives that included a Starks carry, they finished with 3 touchdowns and a field goal, with Starks accounting for a pair of TDs (one receiving). They did have one 3-and-out.
The Packers had 4 drives when Starks didn't get a carry. Those resulted in a field goal and three 3-and-outs (7 total yards).
The only arguments the Packers could possibly make regarding the lack of Starks touches are that 1) Green Bay had just 51 offensive snaps and 2) Aaron Rodgers is their quarterback. I'm not sure those really hold enough water.
Last I checked, 10 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown are impressive numbers. Yes, people will say, "Well he got 58% of his yards on one carry." It's a fair point to a certain extent, such as looking at his average per carry (11.2 yards). Still, he DID run for a 65-yard TD.
Let's not forget Starks' opening-play run of 25 yards which got the Packers from their own 13 to the 38, and jump-started Green Bay's scoring. It led to an 87-yard touchdown drive and a 7-0 lead.
Starks also added a 4-yard run (on 1st down), a pair of 5-yard carries, and a 7-yard scamper on a 2nd-and-10 play in the 3rd quarter. All told, those are 6 of his 10 carries that are a testament to his success on Sunday - when he was actually given a chance.
Additionally, San Diego (as of Monday morning) has the fourth-worst rushing defense in terms of yards allowed per game on the ground (132.5 yds. allowed/game). Conversely, the Chargers' pass defense is 7th-best (221.8 yds. allowed/game).
Not to mention, Rodgers has clearly struggled the past few weeks. Whether it's because of schemes, injuries or simply being human, the passing game hasn't clicked recently, and he missed a number of throws against the Chargers as well.
We can all rightfully argue this is nit-picking a team that is 6-0 on the season, still has an MVP quarterback at the helm, and has one of the best point differentials in the NFL.
However, as the opponents start to get tougher - which they will, especially on the defensive side - Green Bay's offense will need to find its rhythm. If that means getting Starks 20 total touches a game, then so be it.