Bad news usually travels fast in the NFL, but it took 48 hours for Eddie Lacy to learn of some not-so-flattering comments from his head coach.
Mike McCarthy told reporters Monday that "Eddie needs to play better" following a rough performance against the Detroit Lions. The Packers running back took McCarthy's blunt assessment in stride.
"As a player, I think when a coach calls you out, that means he sees something in you that you can do or you need to work on and get better," Lacy said Wednesday, according to the Green Bay Press Gazette.
Lacy had a brutal game against the Lions, getting tackled in the end zone for a safety, losing a fumble that was returned for a touchdown and finishing with just 36 yards on 11 carries. The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year is averaging 3.1 yards per carry through three weeks.
After studying the game film, Lacy believes he's found the reason behind his struggles.
"I need to work on keeping my pads low," Lacy said. "There were a few times last week where I was running kind of high, and I just figured that out. This week, definitely get my pads down when I'm running."
The panic over Lacy, and the Packers' offense as a whole, feels a bit overblown. A difficult schedule has certainly played a role in the struggles. Don't be surprised if Sunday in Chicago is remembered as the game Green Bay's potent attack sprung to life.
*We preview and pick every Week 4 game in the latest Around the NFL Podcast. *
