Packers All in on Running Back Group
Brian Gutekunst shows confidence in Packers running backs heading into 2018.
By Ryan Brunner
Following the draft and the chance to sign undrafted free agents, it is apparent that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is all in on his current running backs. He has every reason to push his chips to the middle of the table on this group as well.
Following the draft and the group of undrafted free agents that the team signed, not one running back was added to the team. To some that came as a surprise and to others it was no shock at all. After the 2017 season, where the Packers found they had at least two potential studs in Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams, it was no surprise to me that Gutekunst opted to fill other holes on the team.
The youth movement at running back in the NFL as a whole has already started taking shape. The days of a workhorse running back carrying the ball for ten years for a team are pretty much done. With the five running backs that the Packers will carry into training camp this summer, Ty Montgomery is the senior of the group in his fourth year. Jones, Williams and Devante Mays are entering their second year and Joel Bouagnon joined the team this past off-season after spending last year’s training camp with the Chicago Bears.
With the position evolving to be more of a revolving door, what have you done for me lately position for most teams in the NFL, the Packers have slowly evolved their way to that point as well heading into 2018. The days of Edgar Bennett, Dorsey Levens and Ryan Grant shouldering the load of the carries are gone. With Mike McCarthy’s tendency to also ride the hot hand, there is plenty of room for any running back on the final 53-man roster to find success this coming year.
Looking forward to the coming season, I’m ready to skip right over training camp and see this group in live action on the field. McCarthy and OC Joe Philbin could have fun scheming the combo of Montgomery, Jones and Williams with a hopefully healthy Aaron Rodgers for an entire season. While a 1,000-yard rusher is highly unlikely out of the trio, in unison they could be one of the more dynamic backfields in the league in 2018.
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Ryan Brunner is an avid Packers fan hailing from Chippewa Falls, WI. He is a firm believer that punters are NFL players too! Follow him on Twitter @brunwardo
Comments (36)
EdsLaces
May 11, 2018 at 01:03 pm
I really hope we put Ty back in the slot where he belongs. I can see him as a 3rd down back, but that's about it. We have too much talent in Williams and Jones.
cuervo
May 11, 2018 at 01:32 pm
As long I never see Randall Cobb take another handoff I'll be happy.
I certainly hope that MM knows what they have in Jones, and actually uses him. Since the only way he figured it out last year was by mistake (injuries), I'm hesitant to think Mike will actually tag Jones as the #1 back (which he should be). Maybe having Philbin will open Mike's eyes.
Monty as the #2 and Williams as the guy who plays when one of the other two gets hurt is fine IMO.
TheVOR
May 11, 2018 at 03:55 pm
Totally agree dude, Aaron Jones is the real deal, I just have huge durability questions with this group. The only guy I sense that has the NFL body is Williams, and he's 3rd or 4th on my list. Williams can't recognize a cutback lane that a semi truck could drive thru, he runs up the collective backs of his lineman. Dude has zero field vision. Aaron Jones? ,, powder keg, he hits a cutback lane and get big chunks of yards. Really like that back, just worried about the availability. Ty Montgomery is a Zero factor, I have absolutely no reason to believe he'll stay healthy, ZERO Hope for that based on history. He looks the part, but he can't stay on the field. You can be a fantastic athlete, and still not have an NFL body. Montgomery is that guy! My 2
Oppy
May 11, 2018 at 11:44 pm
I agree that Jones' ability to see the cutback is far and away better than Williams', but I don't think Jamaal is chopped liver by any means.
He definitely was running up the backs of his blockers early in the season, but he figured it out as the season went along. I felt like even though his 3.6 YPC wasn't flashy and Williams certainly hasn't shown to be the explosive "any touch he could score" threat that Jones seems to be, all Jamaal did in 2017 was prove that he could consistently get tough yardage between the tackles and reliably move the pile forward. Only 6 negative yardage running plays out of 150+ touches, against stacked boxes that didn't respect Hundley (He only had 11 carries through week 8, so basically all his running was with Hundley under center.)
I think there's still value in that. Plus, he can generate yards in space as a receiving option, as evidenced by his 10.6 per reception.
I think Jones and Williams just work together as counterpoints to one another. Still want to see what Mayes can contribute, too.
NickPerry
May 12, 2018 at 04:04 am
"He definitely was running up the backs of his blockers early in the season, but he figured it out as the season went along."
Couldn't agree more with this. I was wondering what the hell they saw in Williams at the start of the year. The Packers O-Linemen's rear-ends made as many tackles on Williams as the opposing defense the first few games he played. But he DID figure it out as the season progressed.
NickPerry
May 12, 2018 at 04:15 am
I think an off-season in a NFL weight room will help Jones more than anything with his durability. I might be wrong but I'd imagine there's plenty of things Jones could do to strengthen his knees/legs. He had 2 knee sprains if IIRC so hopefully that's a non issue this year.
I can't argue the point you made about Montgomery's availability, he's had some terrible luck. But I also think it's a matter of just that...luck. I'm still hopeful all those injuries are a thing of the past for Monty and he becomes our Dion Lewis/James White type guy.
fthisJack
May 12, 2018 at 07:45 am
i'm anxious to see what Mays can do. after that horrific game with 2 fumbles and then being exiled for the rest of the year we haven't seen what he can bring to the table yet. he may surprise a lot of people like Jones did when he got the opportunity.
Pulpfriction01
May 12, 2018 at 09:19 am
I liked some of the stuff Williams did toward the end of the season, but his numbers are well below league average and he is at best the 3rd or 4th most talented running back on the roster. Both Jones at Montgomery are more talented. But they both were injured. Dont forget that Williams got injured too, opening the door for Jones.
Traditionally on average, league average starting running backs produce 4.2 ypc. Green bays line last year produced 2.07 yards per attempt before first contact was made to the running back, which was tops in the league. That would indicate elite run blocking, especially without Rodgers. Both Montgomery and Williams produced below league average numbers. However, Jones destroyed the league average at 5.5 ypc with more touches than ty had during his breakout run last year, indicating there may be truth to the elite run blocking.
Finally, running stats have little correlation to winning. Just ask Adrian Peterson, Jamal Charles, and Barry sanders. The RB stats that best correlates to wins happens to be their stats in the passing game. Things like yards per catch, catches per game, completion % on targets, and pass blocking win rates out of the backfield. So hunt and kamara are studs for the chiefs and saints because they were among the best in the league last year both running and passing. Jones has that ability if healthy. Montgomery too. Williams does not. He is below replacement level based off of last year. He doesn't create mismatches. He doesn't help us win.
Thegreatreynoldo
May 12, 2018 at 11:37 am
I agree with Jonathan. Monty needs to be an RB who can be shifted to the slot to force a match-up problem for the defense. I just don't think he is a pure slot receiver. I love our RB group, and I thought Mays had some upside in a crowded room.
Coldworld
May 12, 2018 at 10:29 pm
Mays was raw. He went late for a reason. I’ve not given up on him. I love Jones’s potential but his blocking isn’t good. I’d like to see some 2 back sets with him and Either Williams (engage run blockers) or Monty. Mix with the TEs too, but right now that’s going to be Williams for blocking, at least based on last year.
Monty is a wild card. Line him up in schemes that give Rogers options to vary based on D’s reaction.
Overall, Philbin can have a field day with permutations. Mays and the fellow from the Chicago PS are potential depth, absent a mind blowing camp
Bure9620
May 11, 2018 at 01:26 pm
Yes, Montgomery is a legitmate matchup problem for defenses out of tue backfield as a receiving threat.
I love when he peels off into the flat on slant routes, it actually opens things up the middle more. I hope we dont see him trying to pound it betwen the tackles as that is really not his game.
jeremyjjbrown
May 11, 2018 at 01:51 pm
Yeah, What is the defense supposed to do when the Packers are in 11 personnel and Montgomery comes in/out of the backfield/slot. If 2 of these 4 big WRs work out it could be Jimmy Graham 6'7"; 2 WRs 6'5"; then Davante and Montgomery 6'+ 215lbs+ that have to be covered with Rodgers as a skilled scrambler.
WTH is the defensive coordinator going to do?
flackcatcher
May 11, 2018 at 08:37 pm
PRAY!
worztik
May 11, 2018 at 03:01 pm
So far, in this year’s post draft articles and comments, I’m left wanting more... much more!!! The articles and player highlights are ok, but, the comments sections have been miserably lame and lacking in fresh thinking and are becoming a forum for repeating what someone’s said and the unfounded praise of same! I haven’t said much because there are a bunch of “newbies” commenting and showing their lack of understanding of CheesheadTV! We are here for one purpose: To downvote each other, tell them that their opinions aren’t worth the powder to blow them to hell, explain why GB’s front office sucks, how the Pack should have drafted X player instead of Y player, what our record will be “IF” no one gets hurt, write novellas on what one thinks in order to cover every topic that can conceivably be covered so no other commenters may state the same, again, to come down hard on people that express their opinions, and be generally a bunch of disagreeable, contrary chumps!!! All I’m saying is that I LOVE IT!!!! All together now.., I LOVE IT............. OK carry on!!!
Pulpfriction01
May 12, 2018 at 09:26 am
Your post stinks. That's why they GM, and you are on the message boards.
worztik
May 12, 2018 at 01:46 pm
Branden... do you know what the word SARCASM even means... oh yea, people need intelligence to understand when it’s being used! I’ll have to dumb down my posts from here on in so chumps like you can figure them out!!!
Thegreatreynoldo
May 12, 2018 at 11:40 am
I am just so confused. It sounds as if you want a thumbs down but I liked your post. Maybe I'll flip a coin.
worztik
May 12, 2018 at 01:47 pm
James... I live for downvotes!!!
Coldworld
May 12, 2018 at 10:31 pm
Happy to oblige someone with such a clear sense of purpose. Spread a little happiness.
Handsback
May 11, 2018 at 03:09 pm
Last year Monty didn't show the same running form as he did the year before. That being said, I see no reason not to expect the same capability we saw when he ran over the Bears. I love the way he shows patience and picks his spots and fires through the line. My concern is his injury list...So now that Green Bay has Jones, Williams, and maybe Mays I think they are set even with Monty's fragile body.
I bleed green more
May 11, 2018 at 03:09 pm
I know I have to settle down but boy I love what we have.
blue eyes
May 11, 2018 at 04:07 pm
I don't want to see Monty run the ball at all unless it's because of injuries. Jones and Williams are a good 1 2 punch. Also with Mayes and Ripkowski why risk another injury running Monty?
The wr core looks and feels a lot better with Monty as a wr imo.
Since'61
May 11, 2018 at 04:27 pm
This should be a solid RB group. While I agree there is no need to add to the group I would have brought in a camp body or two to take some of the hits during TC and preseason games. As long as they are healthy and we solidify the OL we should be good to go.
Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
May 12, 2018 at 10:34 pm
I would interpret that as showing they want them all to get as many practice reps. Blocking/decision making/ball control as applicable plus potentially new scheme. Mays and the ex Bears PS player add depth.
Lare
May 11, 2018 at 04:35 pm
Fortunately, running back is one of the strongest position groups on the team. The big question is how often will McCarthy use them?
hodge555
May 11, 2018 at 04:51 pm
In order for Monty to be a truly dangerous receiver out of the backfield you have to run him a fair amount too so that the defense aren't just expecting pass. Just hoping he's doesn't get injured in the process :-)
LambeauPlain
May 11, 2018 at 04:59 pm
I want to see Monty run the ball to give credibility to his pass catching options.
But Jones is the dude if he can do better in pass pro. Williams is the best runner, blocker. Jones the best runner. Monty the best all around.
Mays should be moved to FB so he can get on the field. Ripper didn't show much last year. Mays is almost as big and runs a lot faster with a ton of experience running the ball. (well, fumbling last year too...but I think it was snake bit extraordinary bad luck).
Andrew Lloyd Peth
May 11, 2018 at 06:36 pm
Jones is the only one who would make most rosters.
Then again, Montgomery is a quality 3rd down back, so he would, too.
The other two are JAG's for now. Williams needed a zillion runs to get his yards, and Mays was too raw. Overall, this is surely a team weakness, but not a crippling one. Jones is the only guy who strikes any fear.
Pulpfriction01
May 12, 2018 at 09:47 am
I kinda agree, but I don't. Jones is above league average for a starter. In his limited time, he actually put up elite stats. Montgomery has shown that he can put up above league average stats.
Williams is just a guy. I would like him to prove me wrong, and he finished a lot better than he started, but still he is just a guy. We don't know what Mays is yet, but the lights obviously impacted him.
Coldworld
May 12, 2018 at 10:40 pm
It looked to me that Williams was trying too hard at first. As time went on, he seemed to be reading the play in front and timing his move better. If so, we should see an up tick from him. I still believe we need a pounder in the mix. We will see where and if Mays fits if he develops, but for now there is something to be said for rotating different styles and combining them. More for the opponents to have to prepare for.
IBackthePack92
May 11, 2018 at 11:40 pm
Now what I want to see is Rodgers under center and more Jones in the backfield. Im sick of the shotgun handoff with the arm straight out. It's like yelling im handing the ball off now.... Just stay under center and use more play action please. Plus iMO, it helps the RB get momentum towards north and south.
Yes, I know they use shotgun to protect Rodgers, but man it's football come on.
Last thing, I love this years draft. Finally SSSSSSSpppppeeeeeeeeeeddddddd!!!! Go Pack
Pulpfriction01
May 12, 2018 at 09:55 am
If I was running green bays offense, I would run more pistol. Just because you run a pistol formation doesn't mean you have to be an option offense. Kc ran a lot of pistol last year, but used it more as an option offense.
Graham, Cobb, Adams, Jones, and Montgomery on the field. Run a Nascar no huddle offense. That personnel is a matchup nightmare. You have to have a stud hybrid safety that can cover and play near the LOS or run zones with guys that can cover to stand a chance. You can't matchup with that. Take what the defense gives you. Attack how they matchup with that, and don't let them substitute to try and figure it out.
Pulpfriction01
May 12, 2018 at 10:18 am
You could build half of your offense with a group of guys like that with all of the things you can do. Graham can line up inline, slot, outside, or be motioned as a full back. Montgomery can play either wideout, hb, or even throw a block for Jones, Cobb can lineup at outside, slot, or hb (although I would avoid hb for him.) Jones can lineup in the slot or hb. You could run 5 wide all the way down to two wide and an inline te/fb. That package of players gives green bay the tools to do what it does best (pass the ball) while giving them flexibility for big chunk run plays and a screen game. They matchup Graham with a corner? Motion him to fullback, you have a full house pistol formation and you can run it down their throats, to the outside, the pitch game, the screen game, play action. It's a complete matchup nightmare for a personnel package. You can run a dozen different formations out of pistol or single back offense for a truly unpredictable and balanced attack while having your best players on the field.
EddieLeeIvory
May 12, 2018 at 07:20 am
Why do all our RBs get hurt?
It makes me even more amazed how guys like Emmitt & Tomlinson could touch the ball 400 times a year & not miss chunks of time. Luck? Or thicker bones/muscles?
Coldworld
May 12, 2018 at 10:43 pm
Always wonder if the CBA removing camp impacts didn’t help (as long as you survived). Maybe players were better at understanding how to handle it and adjust for it. Of course maybe they just weeded out the less durable in pre season.
Cartwright
May 13, 2018 at 02:59 am
The idea of Mays as a fullback is an intriguing one. He does have the size. Wouldn't mind seeing Kerridge come back either seemed to be a better all around player than Ripkowski. I can see Rip getting cut if he doesn't pick up his game.