Green Bay Packers: RB Rajion Neal Emerging

In case you missed it, there is quite an intriguing competition currently going on in Green Bay at the running back position.

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Everyone knows about Eddie Lacy; he is the constant in the Packers offense. Even James Starks, his backup, is a fantastic complement to Lacy’s running style. Let’s not forget, however, that Starks is 29 years old and is playing out the final year of his contract.

If the Packers are known for anything, it’s looking ahead to the future. They draft and develop, preparing for not only the predictable – age, production, the business side of things – but also for the unpredictable as well – injuries, for instance.

All this to say that the Packers third halfback job is still up for grabs. Or is it?

The three legitimate contenders for the job include Rajion Neal from Tennessee, Alonzo Harris from Louisiana-Lafayette, and John Crockett from North Dakota State. Don’t dismiss the importance of the third RB position, either; coach Mike McCarthy made it a point of emphasis that it is an essential role on a football team.

From the looks of things, it seems that Rajion Neal has all but locked up the position for the Packers. His impressive training camp and preseason reinforced his abilities as a football player, all of which culminated in the team’s most recent game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Neal was more than impressive in the backfield and even showed his value on special teams.

Let’s examine the Eagles game more closely and discuss what that means for Neal as the team prepares to make its final 53-man rosters this week.

As a side note, it is unlikely the Packers carry more than three true running backs (full backs excluded here) and for the sake of discussion, we will assume Lacy and Starks lock down two roster spots.

Neal saw his first action of the game in the second quarter, with the Packers already down 25-7.

On second and ten, he gets a carry and runs right for five yards. The Packers convert the third down and Neal gets another carry this time on first down, taking it for four yards. The drive stalls shortly thereafter and the Packers are forced to punt.

Aug 29, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Rajion Neal (34) during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Philadelphia won 39-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Later in the second quarter, with 3:04 left before halftime, the Packers take over on their own 20-yard line. Quarterback Brett Hundley, who played the game’s first three quarters, throws a screen pass to Neal on first down that goes for 18 yards. After another first down, Neal gets another pass and he takes it for four yards.

Hundley continues to drive the team down the field and they appear to stall at the Eagles’ 36-yard line. He spikes the ball on first down and misfires to receiver Ty Montgomery on second down. Facing third and ten, the Packers dial up another screen pass to Neal. Neal shows off some seriously impressive footwork and elusiveness as he scampers 36 yards down the field for a touchdown.

Several teammates swarm Neal and direct him to the stands following the score. Who could resist a Lambeau Leap? Neal jumped up into the crowd to celebrate.

The halftime score was 39-14 in favor of the Eagles after they punched it in once more with 0:04 left on the clock. Immediately after the break, the Eagles kick it off but this time, Neal gets a turn returning the ball. He takes it deep in his own endzone and runs it out for a 43-yard return. The Packers are called for holding on the play, however, negating the big play and setting them up at the 24. That drive sputters so we see another punt on fourth and 12.

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After the Eagles go three and out, the Packers get the ball back with 11:01 left in the third. Neal gets the carry on first down but is tackled for no gain. On second and ten, he rushes right for five yards but another holding call wipes away the play. This brings up second and 15, where Neal is able to bust loose for a 14-yard run. Hundley converts on third down with a checkdown to Neal for a two yard gain. Neal does not see any more action on that drive and the Packers punt the ball yet again.

Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Hundley (7) hands off the ball to running back John Crockett (38) against the New England Patriots during the second half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The next time Neal sees the ball is on the Packers subsequent drive. With 5:12 left in the third quarter, he rushes for a gain of six yards on first down, only to be brought back because of a holding call on the tight end. Neal takes another checkdown for a gain of one on the extended first and twenty.

Neal’s night was done and Crockett finished the rest of the game at tailback.

Neal’s stat-line for the night included four rushes for 23 yards (5.8 average) and five catches for 61 yards (12.2 average) and one touchdown.

Not a bad outing for the second-year back who came to the Packers undrafted last season. With one game left to play in the preseason, it seems the Packers have their decision already made for them in terms of the running back depth chart.

If rookie Ty Montgomery is unable to produce as a kick returner, Neal could step in there as well. So look out Pack fans, another potential impact player is well on his way.

Next: Packers CB Quinten Rollins Another Draft Gem

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