Packers OC Adam Stenavich Defends Not Running The Ball

Adam Stenavich wants the Packers’ offense to be balanced

The Green Bay Packers passed a lot in Week 5. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had twice the passing attempts that his running backs did to carry the ball. The offense didn’t score a point in the second half. The team wound up blowing a two-score lead in the second half. Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich had a different take from one of his running backs on some of the key playcalling decisions in Week 5.

Following the loss, running back Aaron Jones was confused why he and teammate AJ Dillon didn’t get touches in key situations. Jones felt the Packers could have converted one of the 3rd or 4th down opportunities they had late in the fourth quarter. The passing game failed to make them.

Adam Stenavich addressed the media Thursday. According to Ryan Wood with USA Today, Stenavich said he wanted the Packers to stay efficient and defended the decision not to run on certain key situations:

“It’s funny, everyone can say, ‘Just run the ball no matter what.’ That’s not how successful offenses work, you know what I mean? Bad offenses are just stubborn. ‘Hey, we’re doing this no matter what. I’m not changing, I’m not doing this, I’m just going to do whatever it is — throw it, pass it, whatever.’ I think that’s bad coaching, and players will look at that and be like, ‘Why are we doing this?’

When we game plan, you’re always trying to give yourself the advantage, put your players in a position to succeed. That’s the biggest thing. Sometimes you do have to run into loaded boxes. Four-minute situations, which we’ve had a lot of success at over the last four years. Everyone knows you’re going to run the ball. Guess what, we have to run the ball to wind out the clock. It is what it is. But that’s not how we’re going to be. We’re going to be a multiple offense, we’re going to be a smart offense, and just be as efficient as possible.”

That answer sounds better after a win

Adam Stenavich’s answer isn’t going to please many Packers fans. Jones is one of the NFL’s best running backs right now. Rodgers has had a slow start to the season. Every indication is being given that the Packers need to run the ball more than they are. After last week’s loss, Stenavich sounds like he’s the one being stubborn over a lousy offense.