Packers Question of the Day: A Good Running Back Dilemma
The Packers may very well have a problem -- a good one, at least -- on their hands when running back Aaron Jones returns from his MCL sprain that's kept him sidelined for most of the last three games.
While Jamaal Williams has shown more than what his 3.2 yards per carry average may indicate, how should the Packers handle the reps from their backfield.
Additionally, how does Ty Montgomery fit into the mix once he's fully recovered from his rib injury. Should the Packers consider moving him back to wide receiver where he can play both positions periodically?
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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (16)
I bleed green more
November 30, 2017 at 08:35 am
It is about time we have this kind of problem. Glad were in this spot right now, best performance wins.
Razer
November 30, 2017 at 09:31 am
I hear you. It took us years to get to Lacy/Starks. I was afraid that after last year we would slip back to 'no run game'. Having talent and options is indeed a nice problem to have.
RCPackerFan
November 30, 2017 at 09:19 am
If Jones can go this week that would provide a huge boost to the offense.
Williams is improving each and every week he plays. He finally has shown the reasons that made him a 4th round pick this year.
But adding Jones to go with Williams will give them a really good duo. Jones will add a little more juice to the offense.
Jones could really help Hundley as well. Giving the offense a good run game will help the play action pass, and will also help the defense by keeping the ball longer.
Once Montgomery can come back fully healthy, I think he will be a really good change of pace RB/WR. I would like to see him used in multiple ways. Not specifically a RB or WR, but a combination of the 2.
Samson
November 30, 2017 at 10:57 pm
Then the Pack will have the greatest Running Back Trio in the history of the NFL !! ------(Music Plays Loudly)
Please, try some realism. Monty will probably end up back at WR just to stay healthy and continue his NFL career. --- Wait awhile to see if Jones or Williams are really long term RBs in the NFL.
You are like a kid in a candy store. -- Even kids wait awhile and are even more realistic.
Samson
November 30, 2017 at 11:04 pm
Please, RC
Don't go mental again (and start cussing me out) just because I question your approach to the fate of the Pack. We really can differ on our opinions and allow reality to determine the final outcome. -- (BTW---some of your thoughts need to stay in your head)
WKUPackFan
December 01, 2017 at 05:42 am
Someone who disrespects the loss of another person's family member deserves to be "cussed out".
RCPackerFan
December 01, 2017 at 08:09 am
Its ok WKUPackFan...
This individual disrespects people all the time... You should have seen his comments earlier last week... Sunday he put the cherry on top which forced me to go off...
cuervo
November 30, 2017 at 09:23 am
Jones is light years better as a runner than Williams and appreciately better than Monty. Monty is obviously the better reciever. Jones #1, Monty #2, and Williams #3. At least we have 3 backs that all have all shown they are at least competent...although the only way we found who was the best was because of injury......McCarthy couldn't find talent if it hit him between the eyes.
Fire MM
dobber
November 30, 2017 at 10:19 am
<<ahem>> Wally Pipp <<ahem>>
You've got an incumbent back coming back that you've spent the bulk of the offseason scheming around who brings flashes of running talent and the ability to do good things in the passing game (remember that he was second on the team in receptions up 'til the point he got hurt). You're saying that they should sit that guy for a rookie who flashed against 3rd and 4th string defenses in the preseason?
Thegreatreynoldo
November 30, 2017 at 02:45 pm
I have no clue what you're talking about, Dobber. Jones #1, Monty #2, and Williams #3 seems clear to me. Did you mean to stick your reply below Razer's desire to see Mays?
I'd like to see Mays, but only in some kind of blow out game. Doubt we keep the top 3, Rip and Mays all active though, so I don't expect to see Mays if everyone is healthy.
dobber
December 01, 2017 at 08:09 am
"...although the only way we found who was the best was because of injury......McCarthy couldn't find talent if it hit him between the eyes."
This is what I was pointing to. We all know the Wally Pipp/Lou Gehrig story. Pipp gets hurt, Gehrig plays and they never look back. I would bet that there were rookie RBs with numbers akin to Jones's preseason stats that were cut and are still on the street. I'm on board with your rankings. I'm just saying that it's all about players making good when the lights are up and the opportunity presents itself.
Thegreatreynoldo
December 01, 2017 at 01:28 pm
Got it.
Razer
November 30, 2017 at 09:36 am
Based on what posters said, Devante Mays was the gem of the lot. I was hoping to see a third head on this RB monster. At some point we need to see this guy again, if only to determine his viability in the league. In the past we have been guilty of carrying guys that can't play. I hope that isn't the case with Mays but we need to find out sooner rather than later.
TXCHEESE
November 30, 2017 at 10:53 am
With the weather turning, the Packers will need at least 3 out of 4 of those guys. Time to run the ball! I can't help but believe Mays will be a last resort option. Fumbles on your first two carries would scare almost any coach from trusting a rookie, especially when you have to win out. Can't help but believe Ty will be a big piece of the offense when he gets healed up, but Jones and Williams have definitely earned opportunities. All 3 are functional in the passing game, so it may be a matter of riding the hot hand.
TarynsEyes
November 30, 2017 at 12:11 pm
" With the weather turning.......,"
Regretfully not this weekend...near 50.....and they need this one for any miracle hope.
billybobton
December 01, 2017 at 01:34 pm
There is a three headed momster in GB but it has nothing to do with the running backs, but it is the reasons for the running disaster
amazing to me that Lacy with 5.2 carry and impossible to tackle, a leader in YAC and breaking tackles, the best pass blocking RB on the team; is a bad guy and terrible
but now we are raving about a 3.2 average from a guy who - along with 3 others - won't or can't pass block