The Green Bay Packers have never been known for their run game. However, recent injuries have forced the team to rely more on production on the ground rather than through the air. After injuries to Randall Cobb and James Jones, rookie Eddie Lacy becomes the center piece of the offense. As the rookie continues to prove he is a reliable threat, Aaron Rodgers plans on leaning on him more and more.
Rodgers notes that things have been difficult this year not having key pieces to the offense. He notes the way the team has been dealing with all of the absences is turning towards the ground game. The results are showing as the Packers have racked up the fifth-most rushing yards in the league through Week 6.
"We are a top five running and throwing the football offense. This is exciting. It's exciting offensive football," Rodgers said, via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Running the football has opened a lot of that stuff up. I give all those guys a lot of credit. The majority of credit for the players goes to the offensive line. Those guys have done an excellent job of opening up some holes. Teams have been daring us at times to run the football. But against Baltimore, especially in the second half, there were some real tough looks that we stuck with some runs and the guys did a good job of getting a hat on hat, and Eddie [Lacy] did a good job of making a guy miss. Eddie as a runner is underrated when it comes to being elusive. I mean he has the ability to make guys miss in the hole. And when you pair that with some great power, he's the kind of back who makes you smile."
Lacy took over the starting role after injuries hampered the position group. The rookie then beat out Johnathan Franklin to be named the starter and has exceled in the role. So far this year he has 270 yards rushing off 61 carries. Rodgers is loving what he is seeing from the running back and has welcomed the change in the offense.
The quarterback notes that the loss of Cobb and the injuries to Jones will make it difficult to maintain momentum throughout the remainder of the season for Green Bay. He is confident that despite the significant injuries, the next man will be ready to step up.
"It's going to be tough," Rodgers said. "We are going to be shorthanded in some spots. I like the way it's shaping up. I really do. I feel that this is a team that has a chance to do some special things. We are flying under the radar a little bit. We're dealing with a lot of adversity with injuries. We've seen some guys go down with significant injuries who are going to miss multiple weeks in the season. Guys are stepping up and playing well. The overall look of it might change a little bit. It might not be as flashy as some fans might expect or want."