Posted on 8/10/2007 4:23:52 PM

NFL Betting - Yes Packers Runningback Will Be Green

By Charles Jay

The player who winds up starting at running back for the Green Bay Packers this season is significant for a number of reasons. One is that if they don't have a running game, they're going to slip into the abyss as any team normally would. But that is an especially important consideration because Brett Favre is back at the helm again, and without a rushing attack to keep opposition defenses honest, he is going to find himself victim to a pass rushing onslaught.

Green Bay's zone-blocking scheme also makes best use of running backs who have the ability to cut and make reads, and while this might advantage more experienced runners, what the Pack is faced with is a battle between two young, unproven performers, since Pro Bowl back Ahman Green is off to the Houston Texans.

Vernand Morency is one of those candidates, and he may fit well behind the blocking patterns. The Oklahoma State grad does not have a lot of experience under his belt - indeed, just three career starts - but with a 4.5 average yards per carry last season, he might have an intriguing upside. But Morency is not a great receiver, which limits Favre's options in throwing if under a heavy rush. The Packers spent a second-round draft choice on another product of the Big 12, Nebraska's Brandon Jackson, who is a potential game-breaker but lacks consistency. Jackson did not have glaring stats in his final season with the Huskers, rushing for 100 yards or more just four times, catching 33 passes and scoring 10 touchdowns, but he played in Bill Callahan's west coast offense and was not called upon to be the every-down back.

Morency is a bit more mature; he got a late start in college football because he had spent some time in the minor leagues as an outfielder in the Colorado Rockies' system. He is in the final year of his contract, so he needs to perform at a high level in this, his best chance to be a starter in the NFL. Those may be factors in an intense training camp battle where there is no appreciable experience edge otherwise, and as Jackson finds himself still learning the ropes.

But Morency has a sprained knee and will probably miss at least the first two exhibition games. Jackson was impressive in a recent intrasquad scrimmage, accounting for 68 all-purpose yards and a touchdown.

 

Morency may wind up in the starting position, but as long as Jackson does not make any major gaffes, and can establish himself as a receiving option, he may rate the edge, at least for opening day.

THE CHARLES JAY LINE

Who will start at running back for the Packers in Game 1?

* Brandon Jackson -200

* Vernand Morency +160

* Someone else +750

Who will gain more rushing yards for the Packers in 2007?

* Brandon Jackson -140

* Vernand Morency Even

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Charles Jay of TotalAction.com is a freelance writer and oddsmaker who contributes with gusto to the BetUS.com Locker Room