By Mike Vandermause
[email protected]
PHOENIX — With the loss of free agent Ahman Green earlier this month, it's common knowledge the Green Bay Packers are going to pick up more running backs, either in the draft, via trade or through free agency.
But Packers coach Mike McCarthy said his go-to back in 2007 might be on the roster.
Vernand Morency, who was acquired in a trade for Samkon Gado in September, has the potential to be a star, McCarthy said Wednesday at the NFL owners meetings.
"Do I think Mo can be a 1,000-yard rusher in this league?" McCarthy said. "Absolutely. But the thing he's going to have to prove to all of us is the durability of doing it for 16 games."
In 13 games with the Packers last season, Morency rushed 91 times for 421 yards (4.6 average).
He primarily served as the change-of-pace back to Green. He started two games, and had single-game totals of 101 yards against Arizona and 99 yards vs. Philadelphia. He also missed two games in midseason with a back injury.
Morency is entering his third season and has yet to prove he can stand up to consistent pounding.
"I'm an optimist," McCarthy said. "I like what Mo brings to the table. He went down to Stillwater, (and) his whole time off, he's working on getting ready for the offseason program. I look at an individual that's preparing himself to take full advantage of his opportunity.
"I think the guy can be an every-down back for us."
On the run
Although the statistics in his first season as coach indicate otherwise, McCarthy said he remains committed to running the football.
"Running the football is very important," he said. "Now, you're sitting here listening to a guy that threw the ball more than anybody in the league last year, and I'm aware of that. But that's not where I want to be."
The Packers ran just 39 percent of the time on offense, but McCarthy said that percentage will increase.
"I think running the football is critical to the success of your football team," he said.
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This is something I wonder...
People were upset no Rb was signed and it does make you wonder why didnt they, since Green was gone..
But I have said/asked in other threads, do the coaches tell Ted they are okay with what they have..
With Mike stating he thinks Morency is very capable, that tells me that Ted and he probably had a talk about available backs in case Green left..And how he felt with the backs on the roster now..
[email protected]
PHOENIX — With the loss of free agent Ahman Green earlier this month, it's common knowledge the Green Bay Packers are going to pick up more running backs, either in the draft, via trade or through free agency.
But Packers coach Mike McCarthy said his go-to back in 2007 might be on the roster.
Vernand Morency, who was acquired in a trade for Samkon Gado in September, has the potential to be a star, McCarthy said Wednesday at the NFL owners meetings.
"Do I think Mo can be a 1,000-yard rusher in this league?" McCarthy said. "Absolutely. But the thing he's going to have to prove to all of us is the durability of doing it for 16 games."
In 13 games with the Packers last season, Morency rushed 91 times for 421 yards (4.6 average).
He primarily served as the change-of-pace back to Green. He started two games, and had single-game totals of 101 yards against Arizona and 99 yards vs. Philadelphia. He also missed two games in midseason with a back injury.
Morency is entering his third season and has yet to prove he can stand up to consistent pounding.
"I'm an optimist," McCarthy said. "I like what Mo brings to the table. He went down to Stillwater, (and) his whole time off, he's working on getting ready for the offseason program. I look at an individual that's preparing himself to take full advantage of his opportunity.
"I think the guy can be an every-down back for us."
On the run
Although the statistics in his first season as coach indicate otherwise, McCarthy said he remains committed to running the football.
"Running the football is very important," he said. "Now, you're sitting here listening to a guy that threw the ball more than anybody in the league last year, and I'm aware of that. But that's not where I want to be."
The Packers ran just 39 percent of the time on offense, but McCarthy said that percentage will increase.
"I think running the football is critical to the success of your football team," he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is something I wonder...
People were upset no Rb was signed and it does make you wonder why didnt they, since Green was gone..
But I have said/asked in other threads, do the coaches tell Ted they are okay with what they have..
With Mike stating he thinks Morency is very capable, that tells me that Ted and he probably had a talk about available backs in case Green left..And how he felt with the backs on the roster now..
