Thoughts on Alex Green going forward? (1 Viewer)

[just_want_2_win]

Just came across this in my FF Rss feeds in Google Reader:

Packers coach voices displeasure with Packers rush offense

Packers coach Mike McCarthy was unhappy with Alex Green's Week 7 performance. Green rushed for a poultry [sic] 35 yards on 20 carries (1.75 YPC). "I thought we left too many hard yards on the field. There were too many 1-, 2-yard runs that should have been hardball 3-, 4-, 5-yard runs," McCarthy said. "We need to improve that aspect of our offense." No news has been released that James Starks will see time as the Packers starting running back. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel )

FF Today's Take: Many thought Alex Green would be able to produce when the Packers lost Cedric Benson for the year, but so far Green has been unable to accumulate more than 65 rushing yards in a game. However, Green and the Packer's have an ideal matchup this week against the Jaguars defense that is 29th against the run and 24th against the pass. With any luck, the Packers will be able to build a lead and run the clock out with Green against a substandard Jaguars defense.

 

[packersfan]

Coach Mike McCarthy was not happy with Alex Green's Week 7 performance.

Green managed just 35 yards on 20 carries (1.75 YPC). "I thought we left too many hard yards on the field. There were too many 1-, 2-yard runs that should have been hardball 3-, 4-, 5-yard runs," McCarthy said. "We need to improve that aspect of our offense." Perhaps James Starks will get a chance against the Jags in Week 8.

Green still looks like he's thinking too much, stuck in quicksand while looking to make a move. He needs to just hit the damn hole and see what opens up from there.

I agree. This is why I think McCarthy's comments were more about coaching than expressing any unhappiness. If they didn't believe in Green they wouldn't have kept feeding him all those carries against the Rams when it was obvious the St. Louis D line was winning almost every battle on running plays.

 

[Cookiemonster]

There were quite a few times that I remember talking to the TV saying, "Get your freaking pads down."

 

[JFS171]

Couple of points:

1) I think we can all agree the primary role of a Packer's RB is to keep Aaron Rodgers upright. To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

2)Green definitely needs to go more North and South, but I think that can happen with some coaching. The blocking was atrocious in this game... but in PPR, he wasn't a total loss with the 4 catches for 30 yards. If 50+ total yards and 4 receptions is the floor, that's not too bad.

I personally think there's upside for much more, and would expect to see it this week in Jacksonville.

 

[jacobo_moses]

Really Good Article on Alex Green. I agree with it. Green won't push the pile for an extra yard or two. WHich is part of the problem of his lack of production. But he is a better Receiver out of the backfield then Benson was. And I think we need to give the young buck sometime before we say he is worthless. My brother tore his ACL. Even with Rehab after 1 yr it can still be hard to be explosive as you were. That may take like 6 to 9 more months. So I give him a pass for the rest of this year.

http://jerseyal.com/GBP/2012/10/24/packers-video-alex-green-is-fine-line-needs-to-block-better/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

 

[JFS171]

Agreed on the ACL and additional time. I personally forgot it was all the way in December last year when he tore up his knee. So he's not even yet 11 months removed, much less the 12+ months most say it takes to regain full explosiveness.

I still think this guy is undervalued, and if he comes on the rest of the year (as the knee returns to full health), I personally don't see why he can't be their guy moving forward...

 

[jacobo_moses]

Agreed on the ACL and additional time. I personally forgot it was all the way in December last year when he tore up his knee. So he's not even yet 11 months removed, much less the 12+ months most say it takes to regain full explosiveness.I still think this guy is undervalued, and if he comes on the rest of the year (as the knee returns to full health), I personally don't see why he can't be their guy moving forward...

 

[TexMex]

Currently, I just don't think Green is the answer. Maybe he will show more promise once he fully recovers from the ACL tear but how long can he keep his job until then? Personally, I think were going to see Cobb line up in the backfield a bit more with Starks also getting a handful of touches next week. 2.4 YPC on 42 rushes just won't cut it.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

He tore his ACL last October. It's been a few days more than a year IIRC.

 

[TexMex]

He tore his ACL last October. It's been a few days more than a year IIRC.

This is the injury..

Packers backup RB Alex Green limped off with a lower left leg injury early in Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Green was injured on Green Bay's first kickoff return, staying down for a minute or two before limping to the sidelines. He won't be a factor on offense the rest of the way. - Sun, Oct 23, 2011 04:30:00 PM

It's been a year and day, you're correct sir.

 

[jacobo_moses]

Everyone assumes that after a Year you will have your strength and explosion completely back after a year. I say its a case by case thing. Not everyone is AP

As far as him keeping his job. He hasn't fumbled, been pretty decent in pass pro, and the most important thing, Packers are winning these games. Now has he underperformed somewhat? Yes. Does that mean a few more carries for Cobb and Starks? Yes maybe a few. But we know with Starks he is injury proned and what your going to get. Just saying is all.

Currently, I just don't think Green is the answer. Maybe he will show more promise once he fully recovers from the ACL tear but how long can he keep his job until then? Personally, I think were going to see Cobb line up in the backfield a bit more with Starks also getting a handful of touches next week. 2.4 YPC on 42 rushes just won't cut it.

 

[TexMex]

Everyone assumes that after a Year you will have your strength and explosion completely back after a year. I say its a case by case thing. Not everyone is AP

As far as him keeping his job. He hasn't fumbled, been pretty decent in pass pro, and the most important thing, Packers are winning these games. Now has he underperformed somewhat? Yes. Does that mean a few more carries for Cobb and Starks? Yes maybe a few. But we know with Starks he is injury proned and what your going to get. Just saying is all.

Currently, I just don't think Green is the answer. Maybe he will show more promise once he fully recovers from the ACL tear but how long can he keep his job until then? Personally, I think were going to see Cobb line up in the backfield a bit more with Starks also getting a handful of touches next week. 2.4 YPC on 42 rushes just won't cut it.

They are both injury prone. It's true that Starks had ankle trouble towards the end of last year and turf toe during camp this year but Green actually tore ligaments in his knee. Does the severity of the injury not come into play here?More importantly, you're right, we do know what Starks can do. He can average 4+ YPC, which he did last year on 133 rushing attempts. Green has already racked up 52 rushes and is averaging 3.1 YPC. Say what you want about Starks, but he ran better last year than Green is running now. Just because Starks isn't a world beater doesn't justify the sub-par play we've seen from Green. I'm not saying they're going to toss Green aside, I just don't think were going to be seeing him touch the ball 20 times a game anymore if he continue to play this way.

 

[packersfan]

Green Bay O line was better last season than it is now and Rodgers was having one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. Those were two huge advantages Starks had. Also, go back and watch the Rams' game. There was nowhere for Green to run on nearly every rushing attempt. He left a few yards on the field, sure, but the Packers' o line was being blown up on nearly every running attempt. Starks sure as hell wouldn't have done any better.

All the Packers appear to want from their running game right now is the ability to sustain it. Get 3-4 yards per carry and give Rodgers easier down and distance to work with. That's it. Benson was providing that. Green provided it against Houston. If Green becomes a little more decisive and starts making one cut and go (something Ryan Grant was very good at in his best days and Benson was good at this season too) he'll provide it more consistently.

I see no reason to bury him at this point, especially in light of the o line's failure against the Rams. Does he need to get better? Absolutely. But so far there's been nothing to suggest the Packers have lost confidence in him. Things could certainly change going forward but as we sit here today it still appears that Green will remain the dominant ballcarrier in the Green Bay backfield.

 

[ponchsox]

Green really needs to have a good game on Sunday to retain the coach's confidence going forward. The Packers should have a big lead in this game against Jacksonville and Green will have plenty of carries in the second half.

 

[packersfan]

Green really needs to have a good game on Sunday to retain the coach's confidence going forward.

Why do people think McCarthy's lost confidence in Green? Because RotoWorld took some comments and added their own spin and pro-Starks beliefs into the mix? There's nothing to suggest McCarthy's lost confidence in Green. That doesn't mean they don't want Green to get better. They clearly do. But he's gotten 40+ touches the past two games and they kept feeding him carries against the Rams when there was nowhere to run. There's nothing to suggest at this time the Packers have lost any confidence in Green. This stuff is really being blown out of proportion in my opinion.

 

[ponchsox]

Green really needs to have a good game on Sunday to retain the coach's confidence going forward.

Why do people think McCarthy's lost confidence in Green? Because RotoWorld took some comments and added their own spin and pro-Starks beliefs into the mix? There's nothing to suggest McCarthy's lost confidence in Green. That doesn't mean they don't want Green to get better. They clearly do. But he's gotten 40+ touches the past two games and they kept feeding him carries against the Rams when there was nowhere to run. There's nothing to suggest at this time the Packers have lost any confidence in Green. This stuff is really being blown out of proportion in my opinion.

Winning is the ultimate remedy.

 

[packersfan]

Green really needs to have a good game on Sunday to retain the coach's confidence going forward.

Why do people think McCarthy's lost confidence in Green? Because RotoWorld took some comments and added their own spin and pro-Starks beliefs into the mix? There's nothing to suggest McCarthy's lost confidence in Green. That doesn't mean they don't want Green to get better. They clearly do. But he's gotten 40+ touches the past two games and they kept feeding him carries against the Rams when there was nowhere to run. There's nothing to suggest at this time the Packers have lost any confidence in Green. This stuff is really being blown out of proportion in my opinion.

Winning is the ultimate remedy.

And what's the Packers' record with Green as the starting RB?

 

[Hoosier16]

He tore his ACL last October. It's been a few days more than a year IIRC.

This is the injury..

Packers backup RB Alex Green limped off with a lower left leg injury early in Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Green was injured on Green Bay's first kickoff return, staying down for a minute or two before limping to the sidelines. He won't be a factor on offense the rest of the way. - Sun, Oct 23, 2011 04:30:00 PM

It's been a year and day, you're correct sir.

He didn't have surgery until mid November.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Coach Mike McCarthy was not happy with Alex Green's Week 7 performance.

Green managed just 35 yards on 20 carries (1.75 YPC). "I thought we left too many hard yards on the field. There were too many 1-, 2-yard runs that should have been hardball 3-, 4-, 5-yard runs," McCarthy said. "We need to improve that aspect of our offense." Perhaps James Starks will get a chance against the Jags in Week 8.

Green still looks like he's thinking too much, stuck in quicksand while looking to make a move. He needs to just hit the damn hole and see what opens up from there.

Sure, which is what happens when guys get game experience and practice reps with the starting O line. Green's a work in progress, but they're giving him every chance. Patience will be key. The guy can play. Now he just needs to continue to get better.

 

[smackdaddies]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up. That is why Kuhn is the 3rd down rb - not because of running, but because he actually knows how to block.

 

[smackdaddies]

Green will without a doubt have some good games. But how many? - the question is which games will he be RB2 (a couple) and RB4 (most)? Kuhn will continue to be the 3rd down back because of Green's inability to do blitz pick up (Starks M.O. also), and Kuhn will stay the goal line back in most situations. Of course that matters little since Rodgers will still be taking many short td runs (like he did in houston, called back by penalty), or, more often, just passing the ball.I just can't get that excited about his FF potential

So far I see nothing to disabuse me of this opinion

 

[packersfan]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up.

No he's not. He's held up well in pass protection for the most part.

 

[shadyridr]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up. That is why Kuhn is the 3rd down rb - not because of running, but because he actually knows how to block.

lol you say this all the time. He missed ONE block in the last two weeks. You need to reevaluate your opinion

 

[qimqam]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up.

No he's not. He's held up well in pass protection for the most part.

Would you stop with the damn excuses! He's currently starting, he's been awful, and if he has one more bad game he will be out.That's it ... There's nothing to discuss.

 

[jacobo_moses]

Couple of points:

To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up.

No he's not. He's held up well in pass protection for the most part.

Would you stop with the damn excuses! He's currently starting, he's been awful, and if he has one more bad game he will be out.

That's it ... There's nothing to discuss.

Is this coming from you or from Coach McCarthy? I think people need to calm down. STL and HOU are both great Run Defenses, A.Green may not be all the way back (Explosively) from his ACL injury just 1 yr ago. So until he sucks against an average or below average Run Defense. I'm not ready to say he is done.

 

[SameSongNDance]

I'm in the camp that Starks gets a shot sooner than later. I have him rostered in a couple leagues.

 

[JFS171]

I honestly would consider rostering Johnny White before I rostered Starks. I just get the feeling the coaching staff has completely moved on from Starks... hardly any touches the last few weeks, healthy scratches before that, and not terribly impressive (IMO) prior to that.

If Green struggles against JAX and then ARI, then yes, cause for concern. I think he'll bounce back with some good outings.

 

[packersfan]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up.

No he's not. He's held up well in pass protection for the most part.

Would you stop with the damn excuses!

I'm not sure what games you've watched but Green's done well in pass protection. That hasn't been an issue at all despite RotoWorld's attempt to make it into one before the Houston game.

 

[Nucker101]

I honestly would consider rostering Johnny White before I rostered Starks. I just get the feeling the coaching staff has completely moved on from Starks... hardly any touches the last few weeks, healthy scratches before that, and not terribly impressive (IMO) prior to that.If Green struggles against JAX and then ARI, then yes, cause for concern. I think he'll bounce back with some good outings.

Starks > WhiteAnd I'm far from a believer in Starks. I expect Green to get another shot this week as the main back and if struggles again, Starks probably gets more involved or GB might look outside of what they have to help.

 

[sho nuff]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up.

No he's not. He's held up well in pass protection for the most part.

Would you stop with the damn excuses! He's currently starting, he's been awful, and if he has one more bad game he will be out.That's it ... There's nothing to discuss.

Claiming he will be out is purely your opinion and does not appear to be based on anything coming out of Green Bay right now.

 

[Hoosier16]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up. That is why Kuhn is the 3rd down rb - not because of running, but because he actually knows how to block.

Green will without a doubt have some good games. But how many? - the question is which games will he be RB2 (a couple) and RB4 (most)? Kuhn will continue to be the 3rd down back because of Green's inability to do blitz pick up (Starks M.O. also), and Kuhn will stay the goal line back in most situations. Of course that matters little since Rodgers will still be taking many short td runs (like he did in houston, called back by penalty), or, more often, just passing the ball.I just can't get that excited about his FF potential

So far I see nothing to disabuse me of this opinion

Here is some objective info from PFF relating to their pass blocking.Over the last 3 games (the Green era):Green was in for 68 passing snaps - 32 running routes and 36 pass blocking.Kuhn was in for 44 passing snaps - 29 running routes and 15 pass blockingThey received nearly identical pass blocking ratings - 1.3 for Green and 1.6 for Kuhn.Green allowed 0 sacks, 1 QB hit, and 0 hurries. Kuhn allowed 0 sacks, 0 hits, 0 hurries (for the year, he has given up 1 sack on 31 snaps). For comparison, Starks allowed 2 sacks, 0 hits, and 1 hurry in 79 pass block snaps last year.

 

[packersfan]

Here is some objective info from PFF relating to their pass blocking.Over the last 3 games (the Green era):Green was in for 68 passing snaps - 32 running routes and 36 pass blocking.Kuhn was in for 44 passing snaps - 29 running routes and 15 pass blockingThey received nearly identical pass blocking ratings - 1.3 for Green and 1.6 for Kuhn.Green allowed 0 sacks, 1 QB hit, and 0 hurries. Kuhn allowed 0 sacks, 0 hits, 0 hurries (for the year, he has given up 1 sack on 31 snaps). For comparison, Starks allowed 2 sacks, 0 hits, and 1 hurry in 79 pass block snaps last year.

Good info and thanks.I'm not sure how anyone could have watched the last two games and come to the conclusion that Green has struggled in pass protection. It's been rather obvious that he hasn't.

 

[qimqam]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up.

No he's not. He's held up well in pass protection for the most part.

Would you stop with the damn excuses! He's currently starting, he's been awful, and if he has one more bad game he will be out.That's it ... There's nothing to discuss.

Claiming he will be out is purely your opinion and does not appear to be based on anything coming out of Green Bay right now.

Common sense ... McCarthy is pissed about Green not running hard and not getting the xtra yards. If Green doesn't 't run hard next game he will be out. If there's one thing Starks does well it's running hard!

 

[sho nuff]

Couple of points:To my knowledge, Green hasn't had any horrible blocking mistakes the last few weeks

then you did not watch the last game. Green is TERRIBLE at blitz pick up.

No he's not. He's held up well in pass protection for the most part.

Would you stop with the damn excuses! He's currently starting, he's been awful, and if he has one more bad game he will be out.That's it ... There's nothing to discuss.

Claiming he will be out is purely your opinion and does not appear to be based on anything coming out of Green Bay right now.

Common sense ... McCarthy is pissed about Green not running hard and not getting the xtra yards. If Green doesn't 't run hard next game he will be out. If there's one thing Starks does well it's running hard!

McCarthy made comment about last game being some yards left on the field.None of that makes it common sense to say that if he does not do it next game that he is out.So again...pretty much your opinion based on...as I said, nothing.

 

[packersfan]

Common sense

Yes let's apply some common sense if we can.Green has made two starts. After the first, McCarthy was so pleased that he said, and I quote, "I was very pleased with Alex Green. Alex Green will be our lead running back." In the second game, McCarthy was unhappy with all facets of the run game, not just Green. And it was obvious to anyone who actually watched the game that Green Bay's offensive line was a major weakness in the run game. Blaming Green entirely for that would be nothing short of idiotic.

So what we have here are two games both of which came against Top 10 rushing defenses. One of those games was pleasing to McCarthy and one was not. In both games, Green has done well in terms of pass protection and the Packers have won both games in relatively convincing fashion (the Texans' game without question). Common sense would tell us that it will take more than one more bad game from Green for him to suddenly stop being, again to quote the team's head coach, "our lead running back." That's assuming McCarthy is going to apply common sense to the situation. Given his success as an NFL head coach I think we can assume it's likely that he will do that.

 

[Warhogs]

I find it humorous reading everyone's take as they piece together any information either for or against Green. My take based on observation of the Packer games is that there is certainly a role for Green. However, I have seen very little evidence that Green can gain the tough yards. That creates opportunity for any other RB on that roster if Green does not start showing he can gain the tough yards. Green Bay is a pass first offense so Green should continue to see plenty of playing time even if he does not prove to be able to gain those tough yards but I think Green Bay would also like to be able to run a bit more at times and that may be an opportunity for someone else if Green fails.

In the end I doubt we see a major contributer to a fantasy team for any Green Bay RB.

 

[jacobo_moses]

Common sense

Yes let's apply some common sense if we can.Green has made two starts. After the first, McCarthy was so pleased that he said, and I quote, "I was very pleased with Alex Green. Alex Green will be our lead running back." In the second game, McCarthy was unhappy with all facets of the run game, not just Green. And it was obvious to anyone who actually watched the game that Green Bay's offensive line was a major weakness in the run game. Blaming Green entirely for that would be nothing short of idiotic.

So what we have here are two games both of which came against Top 10 rushing defenses. One of those games was pleasing to McCarthy and one was not. In both games, Green has done well in terms of pass protection and the Packers have won both games in relatively convincing fashion (the Texans' game without question). Common sense would tell us that it will take more than one more bad game from Green for him to suddenly stop being, again to quote the team's head coach, "our lead running back." That's assuming McCarthy is going to apply common sense to the situation. Given his success as an NFL head coach I think we can assume it's likely that he will do that.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Starks missed practice today.

 

[djjosee]

Starks missed practice today.

So did Nelson (hammy) / Jennings (undergo surgery) / Finley (I think) ... YikesHave this hunch that Green is in for a busy day.

 

[packersfan]

Kuhn's missed practice the last two days as well.

 

[sho nuff]

Thinking we see a lot of the run game this weekend.

With Jennings still out (and having surgery) and Nelson nursing the hammy...see them trying to "speed" this game up some.

 

[otb_lifer]

Starks missed practice today.

So did Nelson (hammy) / Jennings (undergo surgery) / Finley (I think) ... YikesHave this hunch that Green is in for a busy day.

Agreed. How much resistance can Jax really put up here? Could even see a defense/st score or two ... does ARod really need to bomb them to the stone age? Foot off the gas this week? Kick the effin' snot outta that running game's tires.

 

[packersfan]

Thinking we see a lot of the run game this weekend.With Jennings still out (and having surgery) and Nelson nursing the hammy...see them trying to "speed" this game up some.

I'd expect Cobb to get some rushing attempts Sunday in addition to Green seeing a possibly expanded workload. If Kuhn and/or Starks is inactive we could see White on the field as well. I think it makes a ton of sense for the Packers to build a big lead early and then run, run, run and run some more to close it out.

 

[JFS171]

Legitimate question here - is Cobb big enough to handle inside carries? Isn't he more of a pitch, screen, satellite guy?

 

[dickey moe]

I need more convincing to start Green over Martin this week.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I need more convincing to start Green over Martin this week.

matchups?

 

[packersfan]

Legitimate question here - is Cobb big enough to handle inside carries? Isn't he more of a pitch, screen, satellite guy?

I wouldn't view him as an inside runner but you take a look at Harvin and you probably wouldn't view him that way either and yet he's good at it. I don't think the Packers will try Cobb out like that. I think when they do give him some rushing attempts it'll be on pitches and sweeps and things that can allow him to turn the corner and get out in space.

 

[SameSongNDance]

I need more convincing to start Green over Martin this week.

I'm cleary not a Green advocate but I think this is a no brainer. Green is looking to have little competition in a soft match up. No one runs on MIN, no one. LSH doesn't count, I'm not sure they were even remotely paying attention to him. This is Martin's last negative match up before a cake walk. Sit him, this isn't NO and he's coming off a short week.

 

[shadyridr]

I need more convincing to start Green over Martin this week.

I'm cleary not a Green advocate but I think this is a no brainer. Green is looking to have little competition in a soft match up. No one runs on MIN, no one. LSH doesn't count, I'm not sure they were even remotely paying attention to him. This is Martin's last negative match up before a cake walk. Sit him, this isn't NO and he's coming off a short week.

 

[cobalt_27]

I need more convincing to start Green over Martin this week.

I'm cleary not a Green advocate but I think this is a no brainer. Green is looking to have little competition in a soft match up. No one runs on MIN, no one. LSH doesn't count, I'm not sure they were even remotely paying attention to him. This is Martin's last negative match up before a cake walk. Sit him, this isn't NO and he's coming off a short week.

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