Green Bay Packers: Week 1 Watch

Aug 29, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) is tackled during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Pace Yourself

When we looked at Eddie Lacy’s production last season in this article, we noticed that his carries seemed to increase as the year went on. It’s a safe bet that trend will continue this season. Given the Packers play cold weather games at the end of the season and in all likelihood the playoffs as well, McCarthy has vowed to keep Lacy fresh. He’ll accomplish this by using backup James Starks early on against the Bears.

Lacy has proven his durability thus far in his career but McCarthy needs his best performances saved for the playoffs. Do not be surprised if Lacy ends up with less than 20 rushes this game.

The Packers also have another bruising back in the six foot one, 238-pound Alonzo Harris out of Louisiana-Lafayette. He was a darkhorse candidate for the No. 3 running back job when the competition started and was able to close in on the position, largely for his skills in pass protection. Now Green Bay can utilize him late in their ballgames, especially in September and October.

As much as fans would love to see Lacy pound the ball 25 to 30 times a game, it only makes sense to keep him fresh until he is most needed.

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