The Top 10 Players in 2009: #9 - RB Ryan Grant

by Brandon on Jun 30, 2009 7:00 AM CDT

No. 9 on my Top 10 in 2009 countdown is RB Ryan Grant.

There are several things wrong with including Grant on the Top 10:

He signed a big contract last season and then immediately injured his hamstring.
His yards/carry dropped from 5.1 to 3.9.
Although his carries increased from 188 to 312, his ran for 4 fewer TDs (8 to 4) and had 5 fewer runs over 20 yards (11 to 6).
His fumbles increased from 1 to 4.
RB Brandon Jackson ran for 5.5 yards/carry last season and looked like the better back.

All of these points are true, but it doesn't matter because Grant is the guy. As a team the Packers only had 437 carries in 2008, and 312 of them went to Grant. He's the big back that Mike McCarthy prefers, and the other two big backs on the roster (RB DeShawn Wynn and RB Kregg Lumpkin) combined for only 9 carries last season. They are there to provide insurance, not competition. Plus, barring a complete collapse during the preseason, his big contract guarantees that he'll win the job.

I was in love with the guy after his incredible 2007 season, but he fell to earth in 2008. The Packers are counting on him to play better in 2009 because he is the run offense.

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I agree with your assesment of Grant's 2008 season, but you forgot...

That he was a contract hold-out. I think this was the precursor for his below expectations season, as it often is for NFL players who hold out. A full off-season of conditioning, strength building, and practice is what Grant needs to be in top form. If he is injury-free with nothing hindering him (remember he is a very mental player, and knowing your hurt can’t help you make cuts), Grant will be back in a big way next year. We’re counting on him to.

by sdsowlsa on Jun 30, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions

Put the TEAM first!!!

I also expect Grant to come back big this season and be closer to his 2007 form this year. That being said, I do worry about the number of carries he had last year. I think Jacksons performance last year demands more carries this year. I would like to see Jackson recieve at least 25% to 33% of the carries next year. This will also help keep Grant healthy for the tough end of the season stretch and hopefully the palyoffs and Super Bowl.

If Grant does not return to form, or if Jackson continues to out perform Grant, Jacksons’ carries should increase. If his performance demands it, you have to put the TEAM first and forget about the big contract and make Jackson the feature back.

by bralee275 on Jun 30, 2009 2:47 PM CDT reply actions

RB

Grant needs to pick up his play and get back to his 07 form. After his holdout last offseason, and extending into training camp, Grant did what alot of players do when they report to camp. Get hurt… It wasn’t all his fault, but he does shoulder some blame for it. It happens alot!!! If he gets back his 07 form, and I think he’ll approach it, he is far and away the #1 option at RB!

Jacksons carries were primarily against nickel and dime defenses. I don’t see him stepping up to Grants level of play. If he does it during normal down and distance situations he must get more carries, but not until then…

I think Wynn and Lumpkin both have talent, but neither is really in position to challenge Grant! BOTH have to get and stay on the field before they even get a sniff of competing w/ Grant for the #1 job! If they stay healthy throughout camp and prove to be durable then they can start to build a case for the starting job. At least for now, the job is Grants to lose… It would take alot for either to be in position to challenge Grant!

by Strohman on Jun 30, 2009 6:29 PM CDT reply actions

Good assessment Brandon

I think this is going to be a telling year for Grant. Either he will pick up from where he left off in 07’ or he will be similar to last years Grant. I’m hoping the reason he didn’t do all that great last year is because of his injury and our o-line injuries. I think he will get back to 07’ form next year, and if he does do that then our offense could be very, very deadly. Probably top 5 again like it was in 07’ (we were 2nd in total offense, behind only the Patriots).

I think Grant is a big factor in our 09’ season. If he plays how he did in 07’ then, it’s going to be very hard for teams to hold us under at least 26-27 points a game, and that would be huge because we don’t know how our D is going to do this year.

by packallday555 on Jun 30, 2009 6:34 PM CDT reply actions