Green Bay Packers Past & Future Position Analysis, Part Two: Running Backs

Part two of my position analysis focuses on the running back position. I will look at each player individually and then analyze the status of the position for both 2008 and the future.

Ryan Grant: 312 carries, 1203 yards (3.9 average); 18 catches, 116 yards (6.4 average); 330 touches, 1319 total yards (4.0/touch), 5 TDs, 3 fumbles lost

Grant had a slow start because of a hamstring injury. He had that injury because of a contract holdout.

I agree Grant's demands were awfully high for a player who had really only performed for nine games the year before. However, General Manager Ted Thompson's counter was too low from a guy who supposedly is refusing to spend up to the cap because he believes in saving cap money to re-sign his own players.

Maybe if these guys were putting the team first, Grant could have been in camp on time and the Packers could have had a more consistent running game. Perhaps then the defense would not have been as under duress and could have stayed healthier.

The difference between winning and losing is often very slim in today's NFL. That was especially the case for the Packers, who lost eight games by four points or fewer. What kind of butterfly effect that contract holdout had we will never know.

What we do know is that Grant dropped off in yards per carry by more than a yard compared to his 2007 numbers, scored three fewer times, and lost two more fumbles. There were 29 running backs who had more touchdowns, and Aaron Rodgers had as many among his teammates. Still, he did generate over 80 yards a game of offense for the Packers, and he ranked ninth in the league in rushing.

Brandon Jackson: 45 carries, 248 yards (3.5 average); 30 catches, 185 yards (6.2 average); 75 touches, 433 yards (5.8 average), 1TD, no fumbles lost

Jackson did quite well as the back-up running back. In fact, I was surprised that his rushing numbers were so low, because often he was pushing Grant for playing time because he was performing so well. I chalk the low average up to the backup getting the call a lot late in games that the Packers had their leads in.

Jackson also showed signs of being the receiver out of the backfield he was drafted in the second round of 2007 to be. He also gives the Packers depth at the position that is essential in the modern NFL.

DeShawn Wynn: 8 carries, 110 yards (13.8 average); 3 catches, 30 yards (10.0 average); 11 touches, 140 yards (12.7 average), 1 TD, no fumbles lost

Wynn's season was made on one play, a 73-yard TD run in the final game of the season. Outside of that play, he accounted for only 10 offensive plays and 67 yards. Still, with the limited action he received, he was effective, and makes a good third option for the team at running back.

Kregg Lumpkin: 1 carry, 19 yards

Lumpkin made the team as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2008 through his outstanding play in the preseason. He blocked well and showed great promise running the ball because he never quit on a play. He made the most of his one carry against Detroit in week two, but spent most of the season on injured reserve.

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