Excluding the obvious, A-Rod is the most important player arguably in the entire league. As far as the rest of the Packers, here are three standouts who have vital roles next to the face of the franchise.
Eddie Lacy goes airborne for a touchdown in Dallas.Eddie Lacy
The reigning rookie of the year literally carried the load last year. With A-Rod absent and three other starting quarterbacks, Eddie Lacy was the only constant on offense. Just imagine what he can do with a healthy Rodgers at the helm. Still, the Pack will need Lacy to run even harder this year. The offensive line is still a work in progress and defenses around the league will now key in on his battering ram running style. Green Bay hasn’t seen a Pro Bowl back like this since Ahman Green. That was almost a decade ago. Lacy doesn’t have to reach 2,000 yards. He just has to move the chains. If he can average four yards a carry, it’ll keep the defense honest giving A-Rod another dimension for more manageable third downs. Wouldn’t it be nice not having to throw 30 times a game? People say running backs are a dying breed in today’s NFL. Lacy is proof that smashmouth can still win. Therefore, he’s not only important to A-Rod and the offense, he’s important to the game of football.
Former Packer Evan Dietrich-Smith commands the middle.Whoever starts at center
The starting center job is currently a question mark. Evan Dietrich-Smith was lost in free agency. Before that, Scott Wells. We can only speculate that management is never happy with their offensive line, but the center position is the most important in the trenches. He’s the guy who touches the ball more than anyone, even Aaron Rodgers. We can’t take for granted what a body guard in the middle can do. He’s responsible for calling out blocking assignments. Communication between him and the qb should be so easy, they can finish each other’s sentences. Essentially he’s the captain of the offensive line. A rookie in charge of this high octane offense can easily scare us with one bad snap, a missed assignment against Ndamukong Suh, a few false starts, anything can happen. There’s not a lot of glamour at this position, but it’s so important, whoever starts at center can make or break Green Bay’s momentum.
Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson do their trademark celebration; the arm bar.Randall Cobb
After losing receivers left and right, A-Rod’s favorite targets are Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Nelson has stepped up to the elite level. Next is Cobb. He’s clutch, he’s electric, he’s tough. It would be cool to see if he can stay healthy for a full season. Unfortunately, his greatest strength can get him into trouble. He’s a constant threat which makes him a target for ugly hits. Cobb can play anywhere on the field. He’s lined up out wide, in the slot, at running back, as a wildcat, back deep for the return. And it’s no coincidence, he’s always open. He recovered from a nasty knee injury last year to return for a game winning touchdown in the season finale versus the Chicago Bears. So even if he does get hurt again, he’s proven he can make a comeback as good as new. The Packers have cut ties with Greg Jennings, James Jones, and lost Donald Driver to retirement. I very much doubt Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb will be next on that list. It would be wise to lock up both as A-Rod’s go to guys for the Super Bowl window. Especially for Cobb though, he’s so important to the offense because of his aforementioned versatility. Having a playmaker that can line up anywhere makes opponents think. And that already puts the Pack in the lead.