Nice article on our RBs & LaFleur's scheme use, from their perspective

We used running backs in the running game less than 30% of the time? Where does McCarthy live? I'm going to hunt him down!

“McCarthy and coaching staff spent a large part of bye week on self scouting. A key conclusion: "The run game needs attempts. That's really the biggest thing coming out of the self scout."

Quote from Mike after the bye week last year. Mike ran less after the bye week. Mike was not good. 

Cilli, you are SO NOT KIDDING! Holy F! I was SO pissed... Whew! Glad that's in the past. MLF ran 50% or possibly more with TEN last year. He will not be afraid to bring us balance. I feel so much better now. Smoke a bowl. Ring a chime. Watch 'em run!

From the article:  Under Mike McCarthy the past 13 seasons, Green Bay traveled primarily by air. The Packers ranked in the top-10 in rushing offense just once under McCarthy and were in the bottom-12 a whopping seven times

I think now more than ever its important to run the football.  In today's pass happy NFL you can control the clock and keep your defense fresh by running the ball.  Now I am not saying to run a wing T offense and only pass 3 times a game but good things will happen when you find that balance.

It will be fun watching if running is increased......love Aaron’s game but dang it, we NEED balance in our attack.  

I wish I knew if Rodgers was often checking out of the run, how often it was a called option, and how often it was a called pass.  Was McCarthy blaming himself or Rodgers?

It's easy to talk about running the ball in June. Let's see what happens in September when 12 is taking actual snaps and itching to throw.

No sh!t dude! I'm hoping LaFleur gets Aaron to buy all in on his plan and scheme. It will save him and help extend his career.

I don't give a shit if the pass 90% of the time if they win.

Well, until Aaron's arm falls off from passing that much. 

Rub some dirt on the stump and toss it left handed.  

Nanobots are the new dirt.

Are nanobots small enough that they are singular like "dirt"?  Hmmmm.

heyward posted:

It's easy to talk about running the ball in June. Let's see what happens in September when 12 is taking actual snaps and itching to throw.

Big difference when the new HC has a history as HC/OC of committing to the run vs a HC who had a long, long history of talking about running the ball then rarely doing it. Or splitting carries evenly between a stud RB, a serviceable RB and a pile of crap. 

Henry posted:

I don't give a shit if the pass 90% of the time if they win.

“There’s nothing balanced about 50% run-50% pass, ’cause that’s 50% stupid. What is balance is when you have five skill positions and all five of them are contributing to the effort in somewhat equal fashion — that’s balance. This notion that if you hand one guy 50% of the time and then you throw it to a combination of two guys the other 50% that you’re really balanced. You probably pat yourself on the back and tell yourself that. People have been doing that for decades. Well, then you’re delusional.” - Mike Leach

Get the ball in the hands of Adams, Jones, MVS, Allison, EQ, Williams, Graham, Stern, etc. as much and as often as possible. Doesn't matter how it's accomplished, just put the ball in their hands and you will score points. 

Yup, Balance. I'm looking forward to not only running the ball, but using the running backs in the passing game. Creates another dimension ....and the threat of doing so draws a defender....opens up certain routes to the TE and WR's for example.  

2018 NFL Stats :

No team threw fewer passes to RBs than GB (15.9%)

Two of the NFL's best QBs (Brady, Brees) led NFL in RB-target rate last yr

Successful offenses based on balance, dimension, deception, scheming guys open, etc......call it what you want. It works. 

It's not just about "finally" running the ball, or "finally" throwing to the TE. That will be exciting, but the added threat of doing so and keeping the opposing defense off balance....that's the exciting part. Adding dimension and deception. We haven't been doing that for some time.....plays not only became stagnant to us casuals, but opposing defenses seemed to know what was coming(cause they did know what was coming) .

Can't wait. 

Balance is relative in today's game.  While 50/50 is not an "optimal balance", neither is 70/30.  I think we'll know it when we see it.  Because we'll see consistent success both running and throwing it, whatever the mix is.  That's what's really at the root the whole balance issue.

I still think Mike Leach as HC would be hilariously fun. 

PackerHawk posted:

heyward posted:

It's easy to talk about running the ball in June. Let's see what happens in September when 12 is taking actual snaps and itching to throw.

Big difference when the new HC has a history as HC/OC of committing to the run vs a HC who had a long, long history of talking about running the ball then rarely doing it. Or splitting carries evenly between a stud RB, a serviceable RB and a pile of crap. 

LaFleur’s “history” consists of one season with an injured Marcus Mariota and Blaine Gabbert at QB and no decent receivers. 

New England won two of the last three SBs. 2019 and 2017. Both years they ranked 3rd in rushing attempts. 2018 season they averaged 30 rushing attempts/game. The 2016 season they averaged 30 attempts/game.

That's how you protect a QB. Very simple. That's balance. Keep the opposing D playing honest and off of your star QB, without their ears constantly pinned back in complete pass rush mode. Packers were worst, or near worst in rushing attempts/game both seasons.

Brady was sacked 21 times in the 2018 season. Aaron Rodgers was sacked 53 times. (Also 51 times in 2017, 35 times in 2016, 47 times in 2015...).

I just want the Packers to run the rock 30+ times/game, with our RBs, not including QB scrambles. That is where we will win a sh!t ton of games, and keep our own star QB healthy. Can't win a SB if Aaron isn't there for it.

Belichick knows what he is doing. I believe LaFleur understands the value of this part of the game. We'll see. Running the rock, and Guiness, is good for you!