GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Even with two of the NFL’s best passing offenses on display, the running backs can’t be overlooked when the New Orleans Saints meet the Green Bay Packers in Thursday night’s opener at Lambeau Field.
Given the fact that both teams are expected to pile up yards and score points through the air, the game could be decided by which team can best use its running game to keep the opposing offense off the field early, then kill the clock and hold onto a late lead.
And while the running game was an offseason priority for the Saints, who added free agent Darren Sproles and draft pick Mark Ingram, the state of the Packers’ ground game remains unclear. Ryan Grant and James Starks will split carries for the Packers.
