Green Bay Packers RB Eddie Lacy has always been a bigger back, but has he gotten too big? Rumors have been swirling that he has become overweight, and with the lack of production he's had compared to backup James Starks, is it possible that the latter could supplant the former as the starting RB in Green Bay?
It may not be a bad idea.
Starks has 10 less carries than Lacy this year, but still has seven more yards, and the same amount of total touchdowns. Not only has Lacy looked bigger and slower, but his power has not been what it was in past seasons. Guys are taking him down on first contact more often than not, and that takes away what was considered the most impressive part of his game.
Rather, as it was evidenced against the Carolina Panthers today, Starks has been a lot more decisive in his carries and hits the hole with an explosive burst that Lacy clearly does not have (and that fumble today didn't help the Alabama product's case either). Ultimately, Starks just looks better at this point.
Perhaps it'd make more sense for the Packers to switch up their roles a bit and start Starks. They can reserve Lacy as a change-of-pace back, and to use in short-yardage situations -- because he simply isn't getting it done as the starter. Between the 20s, Starks is just the more logical choice, and his skill-set fits what they need their perfectly.
He's a good receiver and has the speed and vision to not stall Packer drives like Lacy has at times -- and having that takes more pressure off of Aaron Rodgers.
A move like this may also be a bit of a reality check for Lacy. He needs to realize that in a high-octane offense likes the Packers', he needs to keep himself in tip-top shape. While being a heavier, power back is who he is, there are limits that he needs to set for himself. A Jerome Bettis-type of back works great in a power-run offense like the Pittsburgh Steelers used to have. But this Packers team isn't a ground-and-pound group -- they're the exact opposite.
That's precisely why Starks has been more successful, and has earned an enhanced role.
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