Who Says You Need a Running Game? Not Against the Bears
By Chris Havel
The unbeaten Packers will show the three-time losing Bears that a running attack is helpful, but not essential, to NFC North supremacy.
Here are 10 reasons the Packers will defeat the Bears despite any semblance of a running game:
1: The element of surprise:
The Packers’ running game has a motto – “We don’t try harder— in fact, we don’t try at all!” The Packers are the last offense anyone should expect to run the football. This isn’t about subterfuge or tricky play calling or the reinvention of the play-action pass. It’s about Packers coach Mike McCarthy’s decision to forsake the running game in exchange for victories. Brett Favre and the passing game give the Packers their best chance to win and McCarthy isn’t about to, uh, pass on it.
2: Unparalleled pass protection:
If indeed practice makes perfect the Packers’ passing game has had its share of reps and then some. It means the musical chairs backfield-by-committee have this in common – solid blitz pickup. Remember when running back Brandon Jackson’s ability to pick up the blitz was a concern during training camp? That seems so long ago. Now, everyone from Jackson to Vernand Morency to Ryan Grant to the nondescript fullbacks is a master at blitz pickup. Meantime, the offensive line is making the best of playing entire games on its heels. They fight tooth and nail to keep Favre clean. They know he is their best chance to qualify for post-season play, and without a running game, an offensive line has to take pride in something.
3: Appreciating the little things:
Punter Jon Ryan’s 9-yard scamper for a first down was more than a fake punt gone awry. It was the best rushing attempt by anyone in a Packers uniform since DeShawn Wynn’s fourth-quarter gallop against the Giants. Ryan’s remarkable run is proof that punters are better athletes than they are given credit for, and a reminder that fear remains one of the greatest motivators.
4: Fewer fumbles:
Less rushing attempts means less rushing yards, of course, but it also means less loose footballs. The fewer runs, the fewer fumbles. This makes sense. However, it also means the wide receivers, tight ends and running backs need to be mindful of ball security after the catch. Look for the Bears – and every other defense – to try ripping the ball free. That means you, too, Donald Lee.
5: Staying loose, staying sharp:
Favre, who turns 38 on Wednesday, doesn’t have to worry about tightening up during a cold-weather game. There is nothing like 45 to 50 pass attempts a game to keep a quarterback limber. The mental and physical demands placed upon Favre are astounding, but that’s what makes him a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback.
6: Everyone’s involved:
Favre completed passes to 10 different targets at Minnesota. All he needs is a tackle-eligible pass to Mark Tauscher to expand his repertoire. By passing so often, Favre has more opportunities to get on the same page as his receivers, his tight ends and his running backs. In turn, they have to stay alert on blitz pickup and as a receiver.
7: The Packers haven’t spread the field and thrown the ball because they can’t run.
They throw the ball because they choose to. The distinction may be slight but it also is valid. McCarthy and the Packers didn’t blink first. Opposing defenses did. The Vikings lined up in a nickel defense—a “33” with three down linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs—or a “32” with three down linemen, two linebackers and six defensive backs. By being so pass heavy, McCarthy forced the Vikings to alter their defensive personnel for much of the game. That created match-ups favorable to the Packers, who in turn capitalized.
8: Utilizes defensive depth:
I always wondered why the Packers kept 11 defensive linemen on the 53-man roster. Now I know why. It’s because they suspected they might have to pass 50 times a game and they wanted their defensive front four to be fresh despite logging so many minutes. This week, it’s possible the defensive line rotation may get one deeper with the activation of first-round pick Justin Harrell. He could make his debut against the Bears on Sunday night. I’m not sure about his ability to control the point of attack, but at least he has fresh legs.
9: Getting the lead:
The Packers’ penchant for passing can result in too many three-and-outs, but it also can help them get the early lead. The Packers have played with the lead for much of the season, and it has put additional pressure on opposing offenses. The Vikings, Chargers and Giants didn’t run the ball nearly as much as one would expect, and some of that is because of the Packers’ pass-happy approach. None of those teams showed the patience to stick with their own running game. Essentially, the Packers’ lack of a running game neutralized the opponents’ running game.
10: It’s exciting:
McCarthy sounds almost apologetic when he talks about his team’s excessive passing. He swears he wants to run the football, but until that phase of the offense begins to click, well, a coach has to do. … No need to apologize. So long as the Favre keeps flinging, and the Packers keep winning, their fans have the best of both worlds. They get to see a future Hall of Fame quarterback that still has some juice, and they get to see the NFL’s youngest team continue to surprise the league.
Who says you need a running game?
Chris Havel is a freelance writer, best-selling author and host of northeast Wisconsin’s top-rated sports radio talk show, Sports Line, heard Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sports Radio 107.5 FM and 1400 AM THE FAN. He writes a weekly column exclusively for Packers Fan Tours’ Website throughout the 2007 season.
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