Edward from Sioux Falls, SD<\/p>\n
I’m looking forward to cheering on Mr. Lloyd as he runs over and through the Vikings on the 13th. Who was the last starting RB to wear 32? I’m thinking Reggie Cobb.<\/p>\n
How soon we forget the starting running back on a Super Bowl championship team, Brandon Jackson. Two years later, Cedric Benson also wore No. 32.<\/p>\n
John from St. Albert, Canada<\/p>\n
Good day II. My conclusion, based on observations from afar (TV), was the lack of a consistent run game was a large contributor to the Pack’s struggles last year. Teams were not afraid of it, so a lot of two high safeties, couldn’t close out games by running for first downs, etc. I felt the OL play was the biggest issue \u2013 no gaps, no holes, just lots of runs into a pile or into a sealed edge. I’m excited to see if we have the guys (all 10) provide improvement. And some health luck would be nice.<\/p>\n
Injuries led to a lot of moving parts along the offensive line last year, so it felt like the unit never really got settled. And just when it seemed like it did, its best player went down and never returned. This year’s group deserves a clean slate. Let’s see what transpires.<\/p>\n
Regarding getting the big guys: In preseason the talking heads focus mostly on the QB, some on wide receivers and edges. But, when our December friend arrives, there’s lots of talk about the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage. Big jars on the shelf are important every game.<\/p>\n
Which is also why how the unit functions in December is more important than how it starts the season.<\/p>\n
Mark from Westminster, CO<\/p>\n
Every fan base wants their team to come out of the gates on all cylinders; however, realistically and based on what you have seen in your career, about how many games or series does it really take for an offensive unit to start clicking?<\/p>\n
Impossible to say. With this team, for all the snaps the four main perimeter weapons (Tucker Kraft<\/a>, Christian Watson<\/a>, Jayden Reed<\/a>, Matthew Golden<\/a>) have banked with Love, the questions discussed above regarding the O-line need to be answered. Also, early-season games can be full of unscouted looks that can disrupt rhythm and force unexpected adjustments, and some teams lean into that approach more than others. I know everyone gets sick of hearing it, but it truly is a week-to-week league.<\/p>\n