 |
| James Starks 2010 Topps |
His lackluster performance off the bench during the regular season tricked many into thinking that he is another average running back in the NFC North. In his first start in two years, Starks ran for 123 yards in the opening round of the playoffs, after having just 29 carries for 101 yards in three games all season. This unpredicted feat surprised the rest of the league.
His performance is crucial for the Packers on Super Bowl Sunday, as their primary running backs have gone down due to injury throughout the season. If he plays like he has been playing as of late, James Starks will take the pressure off quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a knack for running the ball well when none of his receivers are open.
If Starks is able to continue his playoff performance, the Packers will have more options on offense, causing the Steelers defense to guard against both the pass and run. Starks’ ability to run the ball well opens up the Packers passing attack, as Rodgers will have more plays to run, thus becoming more unpredictable. His ability also takes the pressure off wide receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, as they will not have to worry about the ball going to them on every play. Balancing the Packers attack will allow them to thrive better as a team, especially on a stage as big as the Super Bowl.
There is no question that James Starks is an effective addition to the Packers. His skills, which were at one point unbeknownst to most of America, have now been the center of focus for the Steelers defense. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has put an extreme emphasis of not allowing Starks to get started early in the game.
Going into the Super Bowl on Sunday, Starks is ready. "It's an amazing feeling being here right now," Starks said. "You watch the Super Bowl all the time growing up, and you sit there and say, 'Man, I could be there someday.' But to be here, to make that a reality, it's just great to be here." Sunday is going to be a big battle for him, but nowhere near as much battling he has done over the past two years to get healthy again.
His performance is crucial for the Packers on Super Bowl Sunday, as their primary running backs have gone down due to injury throughout the season. If he plays like he has been playing as of late, James Starks will take the pressure off quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a knack for running the ball well when none of his receivers are open.
If Starks is able to continue his playoff performance, the Packers will have more options on offense, causing the Steelers defense to guard against both the pass and run. Starks’ ability to run the ball well opens up the Packers passing attack, as Rodgers will have more plays to run, thus becoming more unpredictable. His ability also takes the pressure off wide receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, as they will not have to worry about the ball going to them on every play. Balancing the Packers attack will allow them to thrive better as a team, especially on a stage as big as the Super Bowl.
There is no question that James Starks is an effective addition to the Packers. His skills, which were at one point unbeknownst to most of America, have now been the center of focus for the Steelers defense. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has put an extreme emphasis of not allowing Starks to get started early in the game.
Going into the Super Bowl on Sunday, Starks is ready. "It's an amazing feeling being here right now," Starks said. "You watch the Super Bowl all the time growing up, and you sit there and say, 'Man, I could be there someday.' But to be here, to make that a reality, it's just great to be here." Sunday is going to be a big battle for him, but nowhere near as much battling he has done over the past two years to get healthy again.
No comments:
Post a Comment