Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Eddie Lacy looked strong in his first preseason game and appears to be in line for the starting running back job of the Green Bay Packers. In a 19-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Saturday night, Lacy rushed for 40 yards on eight carries. He looked very powerful and he is faster than advertised.
We all know that the Packers have an elite passing game led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If Lacy can build on his impressive debut and give the Packers a better running game than in the past, they will be a very dangerous team. Opposing defenses know that all they have to worry about is Rodgers and the passing game. Obviously, it is still hard to stop such an elite quarterback and his great receivers but with a good running game led by Lacy, stopping the Packers may become impossible.
Even though they could not get on the board, the Rams first team offense did not look too bad. Sam Bradford completed 8 of 12 passes for 155 yards, including a 57 yard pass to Chris Givens.
Givens is a second-year receiver that was one of Bradford’s favorite targets last season. He is one of the fastest receivers in the league and I think he is about to have a huge season. Bradford also completed a 37 yard pass to new tight end Jared Cook, who has all the talent in the world but was never given much opportunity with the Tennessee Titans. I think that Bradford and the Rams are in for a big season offensively. With Givens, Cook and rookie Tavon Austin, Bradford has a better group of pass catchers than ever before.
Packers’ tight end Jermichael Finley had 4 receptions for 78 yards and Rodgers was 10/12 for 134 yards. The Packers’ first team offense was impressive both on the ground and through the air even though they were not able to reach the end zone.
I think both of these teams will have explosive offenses this season, even though the points were tough to come by on Saturday night. The big story out of this game was Lacy. He will be a very interesting player to watch as we approach the beginning of the regular season. If Lacy can reach his potential, the Packers will be nearly impossible to stop on offense.
Daniel is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
