Published: Nov. 7, 2014
Offense getting back on track for Packers after bye
By NICHOLAS DETTMANN
Daily News
GREEN BAY — Packers coach Mike McCarthy is optimistic he’ll
have half of the core of his offense ready for Sunday’s game against the
Chicago Bears.
Aaron Rodgers is not counted in that mix, but don’t worry.
The MVP quarterback is expected to play after suffering a minor hamstring
injury in the Packers’ 44-23 loss Oct. 26 at New Orleans.
Offensive guards Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang were held out of
practice for the second day in a row Thursday. Sitton is nursing a toe injury,
while Lang is working through an ankle injury.
McCarthy said both will likely do some drill work as part of
the rehabilitation process today. And it may not be until game day when the
Packers know if Sitton and/or Lang will play in Sunday’s primetime matchup.
“I’d be very comfortable with TJ and Josh (playing in the
game) without any practice time, field work that is,” McCarthy said. “They’ll
try everything (to play).”
Rodgers participated in practice Thursday.
Morgan Burnett (calf), Datone Jones (ankle) and Sam Shields
(knee) also fully participated in practice.
Packers offensive coordinator Tom Clements said there is no
concern for Rodgers’ hamstring, adding Rodgers has had a good week of practice
thus far.
The pending frigid temperatures and possible snow at kickoff
aren’t a worry either as it pertains to how he’ll call the game.
“It hasn’t affected the way we’ve planned (for the game),”
Clements said. “We’re still going to try and run our offense. Josh and T.J.
still have a ways to go and hopefully they’ll be able to play.”
“The only thing that impacts (the game plan) is if it gets
real windy.”
The Packers enter Sunday night’s contest 5-3, which sounds
good on the surface, but a 21-point loss on the road to New Orleans didn’t make
the bye week enjoyable. Thus, the Packers are eager to get back onto the field.
“We’ve had two very good practices; the energy’s been real
good,” Clements said.
If Sitton and/or Lang can’t go, McCarthy is confident the
offense can still succeed.
“They’re both veteran guys and they’re doing everything they
can to be ready to play,” Clements said. “They’re our starters and they’re both
good players, so you’d like to have them in there. That’s what we’re working
toward.”
In the Packers’ offense, the center and the two guards are
key.
“The reality is our guards are trained the same way the
centers are for communication, particularly on the road,” McCarthy said. “We
emphasize that in loud stadiums. The guards may have a better view point as far
what we’re looking for.
“I always refer to the two guards, the center and the
quarterback as the core of our offense from a communication, responsibility
(standpoint). They all work hand in hand.” And with Rodgers, there’s always a
chance for a victory.
“He’s the most important piece of the puzzle,” McCarthy
said. “This offensive system has always been built to make the quarterback
successful. When you have the same quarterback as Aaron Rodgers, great talent,
great player, it gives the opportunity to go in directions.
“Pro football is a big cycle. Trying to stay in front of the
trend is important and Aaron Rodgers gives us that ability.”
The Packers rank 17th in total offense (13th passing, 24th
rushing) going into the game against the 3-5 Bears.
After Eddie Lacy’s breakout rookie season in 2013, the
Packers have lacked consistency, especially in the run game. It continues to be
a point of emphasis in practice.
Plus, Lacy is consistently working on catching drills in
practice.
“He’s a powerful man,” Clements said. “He gets out in space
and has some blockers out in front of him or he doesn’t have any blockers in
front of him, he’s usually running against smaller defenders. So it’s hard to
bring him down. You just hope when you call (the screen), it works.”
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