The Green Bay Packers are heading into the 2017 NFL season as one of the favorites in the NFC once again. Most of that has to do with the presence of Aaron Rodgers on the roster, but the offense they have put around him is impressive as well. One question mark on the offensive side of the football, is who will step up as the every down running back?
At this point in time, Packers’ head coach Mike McCarthy believes that former wide receiver Ty Montgomery is capable of taking the role. While McCarthy may think that way now, there are many that don’t think Montgomery has the body to be an every-down NFL running back.
Last season as a running back for the Packers, Montgomery carried the football 77 times for 457 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers round out to an impressive 5.9 yards per carry, which is above average for an NFL running back. Montgomery did struggle with some nagging injuries down the stretch, which showed in the postseason as he racked up just 91 yards on 25 carries (3.6 YPC), although he did score two touchdowns.
All of that being said, is Montgomery capable of being the every-down starting running back for the Packers this season?
Ty Montgomery is “absolutely” the starting running back in Green Bay https://t.co/sR7QKkYFAC pic.twitter.com/f3GK1bUWCa
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) April 30, 2017
Montgomery certainly showed flashes of being a playmaker in the backfield for the Packers last season. After dealing with an overweight Eddie Lacy the previous two years, having that kind of speed and quickness in the backfield was a nice change of pace for Green Bay. It also allowed Montgomery to be utilized heavily as a receiver out of the backfield as well.
Playing a full season as a running back is not an easy task for a former wide receiver. Standing in at 6-foot-0 and 216 pounds, Montgomery’s body is going to take a beating from opposing defenses. Despite that fact, Montgomery did prove that he is capable of making an impact in the backfield, which is why he will likely get the starting nod to begin the 2017 season.
While he will likely begin the season as the starter, that does not mean he will finish out the year as the starter. Green Bay brought in three talented rookie running backs in the 2017 NFL Draft. Jamaal Williams, Aaron Green, and Devante Mays are all going to be fighting for playing time throughout the season.
McCarthy obviously believes that Montgomery can make things happen as the Packers’ primary running back this season. Rodgers has also thrown support behind Montgomery since the former wide receiver switched positions. Having those two endorsements should make Packers’ fans feel more comfortable.
Expect to see Montgomery handle the expectations and live up to them when everything is said and done. It wouldn’t be surprising to see one of the rookies take some carries from him as the season moves forward, but Montgomery is capable and ready to be the starting running back in Green Bay this season.
Do you think Ty Montgomery will live up to the expectations this season? Will he be able to handle the wear and tear of being an NFL running back? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
