Packers Must Start Eddie Lacy Over Jonathan Franklin at RB

Jun 11, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy works out during organized team activities at Clarke Hinkle Field in Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in a long time the Green Bay Packers have a good thing going at the running back position thanks to the presence of rookies Jonathan Franklin and Eddie Lacy.

Many have considered both as candidates for the starting gig, with the duo at worst splitting carries next season.

That can’t happen.

Lacy is the better back in most areas. He’s a workhorse, bruising back that can carry the load an entire season when healthy. He’s exactly what the Packers attempted to get out of Cedric Benson last year—except Lacy is more talented in every regard.

According to Rob Demovsky on Twitter, Lacy has now taken over as the starting back in camp:

That’s how it should be all season. Franklin is a nice change of pace that can add a little shiftiness to the offense, but Lacy needs to see most of the snaps. The one thing Franklin is supposed to be better at is catching the ball out of the backfield. We think Lacy is doing just fine in that regard:

Lacy needs to be the starter as long as he can stay healthy. He’s the perfect complement to the aerial attack in Green Bay and his running style will make defenses accommodate for him once they understand he’s a threat.

You can’t really go wrong at running back if you’re Green Bay, but you can waste talent by not giving Lacy as many snaps as possible.

Follow me on Twitter for more NFL news and analysis @Chris_Roling