Commitment to running game?

[IronMan]

http://www.packersnews.com/includes/...er/index.shtml


Packers Coach Mike McCarthy says he wants to commit to the running game. He says he really means it. But on game days, that resolve seems to get lost in the shuffle when it comes time for McCarthy to call the plays.

Only once in 16 games last season -- against Arizona -- did McCarthy run the ball more than pass it. One other game -- against the 49ers -- he had a 50-50 split between runs and passes. The Packers won both of those games.

McCarthy likes to point out that play calls are dependent on various situations, including down, distance and whether the Packers are ahead or behind. All things being equal and given the current roster, it would appear McCarthy will lean more heavily toward the pass than the run.

Here's a game-by-game breakdown of the Packers' run-pass ratio under McCarthy:

2006
Game 1 -- 0-26 loss to Chicago: 23 runs, 30 passes.
Game 2 -- 27-34 loss to New Orleans: 20 - 55.
Game 3 -- 31-24 win at Detroit: 27 - 36.
Game 4 -- 9-31 loss at Philadelphia: 28 - 47.
Game 5 -- 20-23 loss vs. St. Louis: 26 - 39.
Game 6 -- 34-24 win at Miami: 29 - 35.
Game 7 -- 31-14 win vs. Arizona: 39 - 25.
Game 8 -- 10-24 loss at Buffalo: 30 - 47.
Game 9 -- 23-17 win vs. Minnesota: 26 -- 42.
Game 10 -- 0-35 loss vs. New England: 16 - 27.
Game 11 -- 24-34 loss at Seattle: 20 - 36.
Game 12 -- 10-38 loss vs. New York Jets: 23 - 47.
Game 13 -- 30-19 win at San Francisco: 34 - 34.
Game 14 -- 17-9 win vs. Detroit: 32 - 37.
Game 15 -- 9-7 win vs. Minnesota: 24 - 51.
Game 16 -- 26-7 win at Chicago: 34 - 42.

2007
Game 1 -- 16-13 win vs. Philadelphia: 17 - 46.
-- Mike Vandermause, mvandermause@greenbaypressgazette.com

[tromadz]

Yes.

[millertime]

Well we only ran the ball more than passed in one game if I'm reading your chart right. I'd be interested to see the Colts pass to run ratio.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the West Coast offense revolve around making lots of short passes instead of primarily using the running game.

[tromadz]

Driver, Jennings, and Brett Favre

or

Brandon Jackson following Korey Hall


I'd like to see some more runs sprinkled in like everyone else, but it's not like there isn't good reason for it.

[Popcynical]

It's a firm philosophy of mine that you need to have a solid running game to win football games. The lack of a commitment to the run is my only objection with McCarthy's play calling.

I must say I'm glad we've got Rodgers on the bench while Favre is breaking records for pass attempts in his final year(s)...

[millertime]

Quote:

It's a firm philosophy of mine that you need to have a solid running game to win football games. The lack of a commitment to the run is my only objection with McCarthy's play calling. I must say I'm glad we've got Rodgers on the bench while Favre is breaking records for pass attempts in his final year(s)...

Want to elaborate?

[Popcynical]

Well... Favre's getting old. His arm isn't getting stronger and we're asking him to pass more than he ever has.

I know Favre's an iron man, but he's not invincible. If Favre strains his arm, I'm glad we've got Rodgers on the bench.

[porky88]

Quote:

Driver, Jennings, and Brett Favre or Brandon Jackson following Korey Hall I'd like to see some more runs sprinkled in like everyone else, but it's not like there isn't good reason for it.

Running the ball can setup play action pass and make Driver, Jennings and Favre more effective. By not sticking to the run he is pretty much taking out several plays in the play book.

I think if the Packers can't establish a running game they should run a lot more screens. The Giants like to blitz as well so I hope we see some screen passes against them. We didn't see to many against Philly.

[tromadz]

I think the fact that if the game is close, the run game still has to be defended against\respected and playaction would still be an option.

But I agree with most of that.

[vechenzo]

we definitly need to run it more to eat more time off the clock and give the D a breather. I noticed against philly that the d got wore out and gave up some plays, mainly because the offense went 3 and out. A combination of a better offense with more runs will help the D a lot.