Fine Line For McCarthy When It Comes To Lacy's Reps

The Packers coach told reporters at the League Meetings he plans to be mindful of the young back's workload. 

It's no surprise to see Mike McCarthy talking about needing to be careful with Eddie Lacy's workload

I thought this passage in particular from Silverstein was illuminating: 

Lacy played in 60.5% of the regular-season snaps his rookie season and 65.4% last season. Those numbers would have been closer if Lacy hadn't been knocked out of the Washington game after five snaps his rookie season. As far as actual carries, Lacy's average per game last season didn't even crack the top 10 in the NFL. He ranked 13th with 15.4, which was nine carries fewer per game than league-leader DeMarco Murray (24.5) of the Dallas Cowboys.

James Starks is a nice luxury to have, without question. And the Packers will undoubtedly give Rajion Neal a hard look in the offseason as well as bring in a back or two in as undrafted free agents. 

But make no mistake, Lacy needs to be on the field, and not just because he is the proverbial "workhorse." There are still aspects of his game that only live action will help improve. Most noticeably, Lacy can still leave a good deal of yardage on the field while hesitating and dancing behind the line of scrimmage instead of putting his foot in the ground and getting upfield. 

Obviously, this isn't anything he and Sam Gash don't know. But Gash can only harp on it so much in meetings and can only do so much drill and scrimmage work, where contact is still limited. 

No, Lacy needs to be on the field behind offensive and defensive lines that are crashing together and presenting him with things that weren't drawn up in the classroom or seen in his drill work. 

Take a look at this play below against Carolina. You'll see lanes open up to the right and to the left. Lacy, however, hesistates after getting the ball and the hesitation kills any chance the play has. Sitton being pushed back doesn't help. And Richard Rodgers completely missing on his assignment doesn't either. But both lanes are clear. He needs to make his read, plant his foot and go. 

There were plenty of these types of carries earlier in the year in 2014. To Lacy's credit, things improved as the year went on. But it's still a nagging issue in his game, and it's one that only playing time can fix. 

Obviously, McCarthy doesn't want to run his young running back into the ground, and as he mentioned to the media in Arizona, he has experience to draw from going back to his days handling Ricky Williams' workload in New Orleans. 

James Starks can provide a spark, but Eddie Lacy's overall ability, from pass protection to his feel in the screen game, is too much to keep on the sideline for extended periods of time. It's important not to wear him out, but make no mistake - Mike needs to ride his young workhorse. 

 

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Comments (5)

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Amanofthenorth's picture

March 30, 2015 at 04:14 am

he's just too good and doing what they want a back to do to take him out. He catches, blocks, runs and doesn't make mental mistakes...Wonder how Mr. Lacy feels about his playing time?

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Bearmeat's picture

March 30, 2015 at 07:20 am

I know you're all rich and famous and buddies with Peter King and stuff now Nagler, but dang I miss your writing on CHTV. Posts like this. Gold.

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PackerAaron's picture

March 30, 2015 at 07:23 am

Lol. Thanks much for the kind words. You'll be seeing more of these going forward... ;)

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RCPackerFan's picture

March 30, 2015 at 07:33 am

There is definitely a fine line with Lacy. Lacy is the workhorse we need late in the season. When the weather turns bad you need that workhorse. We really can't afford to burn him out in the early part of the season, but we can't afford to play him to little either.

Starks is a very nice #2 back to have on the roster. The only problem with Starks is he isn't a great blocker and isn't a great receiver. Lacy is much better at both then Starks.

While I really like Neal and think he could make the 53 man roster, I would like to see them find another RB that can be more of a change of pace type of RB. Lacy is great in the passing game, but Starks isn't. If they can find a guy that can give Lacy breaks in the passing game that would allow him to be more fresh later in games and later in the season.
It would be nice if they could get a more explosive type of RB to compliment Lacy. Someone that could add a new dimension to the offense. I thought Franklin was going to be that guy until his career ended shortly.

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Imma Fubared's picture

March 31, 2015 at 08:55 am

Might as well use Lacy and the other backs and rest Rogers arm and Jordy's hip. Hey just like the game plan MM put together for the Seattle game. Everyone knows, you kick a ton of field goats you win with defense.

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