Packers could find their long-lost running attack tonight

By GERY WOELFEL
The Green Bay Packers’ ailing rushing attack has a golden opportunity to get healthy tonight.
The Packers, who host the Carolina Panthers, have struggled mightily through the first seven games this season to establish an effective running attack.
The Packers are the worst rushing team in the league, having averaged a paltry 59.9 yards per game. Their leading rusher is MarShawn Lloyd, who has managed a measly 142 yards.
A major reason for the Packers’ anemic run game is their O-Line. It has been a train wreck, one ravaged by injuries. The Packers O-Line took a major hit when they lost standout right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (knee) in late September. The Packers also have taken hits with injuries to center Sean Rhyan (ankle), guard/center Jason Monk (quadriceps) and guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe)
Throw in the fact the Packers were without standout running back Jacobs until last Sunday. Jacobs missed the first six games as he was on the Exempt list.
While Jacobs was predictably rusty in finishing with 36 yards on 11 carries against the Lions Sunday, the three-time Pro Bowl selection still showed how he can impact a game with a spectacular 25-yard touchdown catch.
With Jacobs now back and the offensive line seemingly starting to stabilize, the Packers figure to be more productive in the running game.
What’s more, the Packers will be facing a Carolina team that is putrid in stopping the run. The Panthers rank last among the NFL’s 32 teams in stopping the run.
They enter tonight’s game at Lambeau Field having allowed an unspeakable 153.2 yards per game – or more than double the average of league-leader Jacksonville, which has yielded 72.2 yards a game.
Last Sunday, in a 43-13 blowout loss to Tampa Bay at Charlotte, N.C., the 3-3 Panthers gave up an astounding 258 yards to the Buccaneers.
If the 4-3 Packers are to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season and seventh time in the last eight seasons, it’s imperative their running attack gets back on track, starting tonight.
WHAT THE ODDSMAKERS ARE SAYING: Packers are favored by 3.5 points.
WHAT GW IS SAYING: Packers 30, Panthers 20.