We know Alabama coach Nick Saban is one of the most influential people in college football, but does he really have enough pull to influence the decision making process of an NFL franchise?
According to a Tweet by ESPN’s Ed Werder on Sunday afternoon, the answer may be “Yes”:
Alabama coach Nick Saban told #Packers only way to change Eddie Lacy behavior is take game away from him. Coaches essentially did vs #Lions
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 13, 2015
While that’s not exactly saying “You must bench Eddie Lacy”, it does certainly imply that it may work.
Werder went on to say that the decision to put the Green Bay playcalling back into the hands of head coach Mike McCarthy this week may be a sign that the Packers are looking to revive the productivity of Lacy under McCarthy’s direction last season.
Mike McCarthy calling #Packers plays and wants to re-establish Eddie Lacy. Among reasons RB John Crockett is inactive vs. #Cowboys.
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 13, 2015
#Packers believe Eddie Lacy creates more energy in stadium and huddle than James Starks running same play for same yardage
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 13, 2015
Though early in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, McCarthy did shy away from using Lacy near the goal line after featuring him early and often:
Mike McCarthy first play-calling second guess: Three plays from the 1 and none to Eddie Lacy, who ran #Packers down there
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 13, 2015
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.