All News & Analysis

If Lacy can't go vs. Jets, Starks a quality option

PFF-headlinesWhile the situation regarding Eddie Lacy’s concussion looks promising we will still have to wait to get final word on his availability against the Jets in week 2.

However, the good news for Green Bay fans is that if Lacy can’t go they have one of the better (and more underrated) back-ups in the league in James Starks. His seven carries on Thursday night were a vignette of that ability where he gained 21 of his 37 yards after contact and broke or avoided four tackles.

Last year he was fourth in the league with 3.0 yards per carry after contact (of backs carrying more than 50 times) and was fifth in the league in tackles broken or avoided per attempt.

However, if there is an area in which the Packers might miss Lacy, its pass protection. It’s not that Starks is poor in that regard (he’s broadly average when asked to block for his QB) it’s that Lacy is so good (top five in 2013) and with an issue at right tackle, that may be crucial.

All Featured Tools

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit