Packers offense still wants to improve

GREEN BAY - The expectations for the Packers offense have reached the point where following a 31 point 4 touchdown performance, Aaron Rodgers was more critical of his play than excited.

"I didn't throw it very well,” said Rodgers. “I threw it in the dirt, got Jordy hurt, just wasn't in a great rhythm. Made a couple of decent throws for touchdowns but it wasn't one of my better games."

James Jones made yet another spectacular touchdown catch but understands that if the running game is working they won’t need as many extraordinary plays passing the ball.

"We can't just throw the ball all over the field and expect them not to sit in certain coverages,” Jones said. “We gotta run the ball well."

The Green Bay run game did make strides, their 176 rushing yards is the most since October 2009.

Guard Josh Sitton saw improvement in their play, "We executed better up front. I think we played a more physical game up front, pushed the pile a little better.

Line mate Jeff Saturday had praise for the Packers running backs as well.

"I thought the backs did a great job of setting blocks and accelerating through the holes," said Saturday. “James came in and gave us some energy as well with Alex and gave us a great tandem."

James Starks had by far his most productive game of the year rushing 17 times for 61 yards. After struggling to see the field Starks is enjoying the success.

"We gotta earn everything we get and keep it so it's just good to know that he believes in us and he's giving us all an opportunity to prove ourselves."

Coach McCarthy was pleased overall with the run game but says they've got to get better in short yardage situations and much of the blame there falls on him.

"We could have helped ourselves there from a coaching staff standpoint being a little more flexible than we were today as far as our personnel," said McCarthy.

Whether it was getting a carry out of the backfield or catching two touchdown passes Mike McCarthy showed a willingness again to dial up Randall Cobb's number on the play cards.

For his part, Cobb is ready to lineup wherever he can help the team.

"You just got to play ball and once you're on the field it's just about making plays. No matter where you're lining up at you've just got to do what you can do to contribute on this team."

Aaron Rodgers has been one of Cobb’s biggest proponents and lauded more praise on the second year wide receiver after the game.

"Any time we can get the ball in his hands it usually turns out pretty good. We saw again today he ran the ball pretty well. He's just a weapon for us," Rodgers said.

With the bye week now here the Packers offensive masterminds will have plenty of time to devise new ways to use Cobb.