Packers running back Eddie Lacy says second season will be tougher

Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy expects his second season to be tougher as defenses gear up to stop him, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Lacy

Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy expects his second season to be tougher as defenses gear up to stop him, he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Lacy rushed for 1,178 yards last season, a franchise record for a rookie. He said he is prepared for more attention for defenses now that he has proven himself to be a threat out of the backfield. More from Lacy in the Journal Sentinel:

"I think it will be tougher, because it's not like you're surprising everyone. When you first come in, people doubt you. They know what you did in college, but they don't know if it will translate to the next level. But once you get that year in and people see what you've done and it's no longer surprising, they're going to prepare for you the way they prepare for whoever else is good at that position."

Despite defenses being more aware of his abilities, Lacy might find more running lanes with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. The team's quarterback missed eight games last season with a broken collarbone, allowing defenses to hone in on Lacy.

The Packers finished 8-7-1 last season, winning the NFC North division. They lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the playoffs.

More: Offseason Report Card: Packers

- Paul Palladino