Packers' Starks makes name for himself

PHILADELPHIA - Who the heck is James Starks?

That's the question most of the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field and most of the audience watching the Eagles-Packers game around the country undoubtedly was asking Sunday as the lanky rookie kept churning out rushing yards. He finished with 123 on 23 carries in the Packers' 21-16 win. Not bad for a kid who had 101 yards on 29 carries all season.

Starks is a living Google search; his whole career has been marked by obscurity. He missed his senior season at the University of Buffalo with a serious shoulder injury but was so impressive earlier in his career that the Packers took a flyer on him in the sixth round of last spring's draft. A hamstring injury derailed his preseason and he started the year on the physically unable to perform list, missing the first nine games. He also sat out the last two games of the season.

"I was with my family playing some games and watching the games and eating some popcorn and taking it all in," he said. "I just knew I would get my chance and I had to be ready to go when my number was called."

It was called a lot. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said there were a few plays for Starks in the game plan, but once the kid got started, it was hard to stop him. "He established the hot hand early,'' McCarthy said, "and I rode it."

Starks wasn't the only surprise contributor. Tight end Tom Crabtree had a 7-yard reception to open the scoring in the first quarter after catching only four passes all season.

With all of the injuries the Packers have suffered this season, there's bound to be unheralded backups producing at this point. Said guard Daryn Colledge, "We have a lot of dudes people haven't heard about on this team."

Packers players and coaches said Starks improved his practice and study habits in the last few weeks, suggesting that injuries weren't the only things holding him back. Aaron Rodgers said he "really learned how to be a pro" during that time.

"James Starks is just a fine young man, a very talented young man," McCarthy said. "Everybody knows his story."

Well, they do now.