A sophomore slump is in effect. Through three games, running back Eddie Lacy is averaging only 3.1 yards per carry. He has been overwhelmed thus far, not overpowering.
So Monday, with that 19-7 loss to Detroit still stinging, coach Mike McCarthy challenged the 2013 offensive rookie of the year.
"Eddie needs to play better," McCarthy said. "I don't correct individuals in the media. We've seen the film, corrections have been made, our running game wasn't nearly what it needed to be. Not even close."
Lacy had multiple opportunities to reach the second level in the Packers' 19-7 loss at Detroit, yet finished with only 36 yards on 11 uneventful carries. Five of his 11 attempts netted zero or negative yardage. One key second and 1 on the Packers' last offensive gasp, Lacy bounced a run wide with a lane wide open on the left side and was taken down for a loss of four yards.
This season Lacy has arguably been the team's biggest disappointment, the story points out. There was so much hype leading into the season and Lacy was taken in many fantasy drafts as a mid-to-late first rounder. McCarthy added the run game is nowhere near what their plan was for it at the beginning of the season. OC Tom Clements addressed some missed blocks, however, the story also pointed out that RB2 James Starks was effective, burning the Lions for 4.8 yards per carry on his eight attempts. Asked if he considered sticking with Starks after his success, McCarthy he'd "go with the flow of the game." It very well be a motivational tool to get Lacy going, but if owners can grab Starks it may not be a bad idea.
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