Adrian Fedkiw
It can’t get much worse this year than the failed disaster that was DeMarco Murray.
He’s no longer here and good riddance! So where does this leave the Philadelphia Eagles at running back in 2016?
Ryan Mathews was second among running backs in average per carry (5.1), totaling 539 yards and six touchdowns. He was a lot more decisive as a one-cut runner on the inside zone and sweep play under Chip Kelly than Murray was. This is a new offense, however, and how will Mathews fit in?
I don’t expect Mathews to have any problems toting the rock in an offense that will feature more power running, but Pederson likes his running backs to be able to snag passes out of the backfield. This is a problem for Mathews, who doesn’t have great hands. He also has a problem staying on the field, playing in all 16 games just once out of his six years in the NFL.
The 33-year-old Darren Sproles continues to be a dynamic threat both running and catching the football and mos. His vision remains superb and the acceleration is still there despite his age.
Head coach Doug Pederson explained during a press conference in early June that Sproles will have an “extensive” role with the offense.
“We like to move our running backs around and he’s a guy that creates match-ups against the defense. We’re going to move him around, we’re not going to necessarily keep him in the backfield. His role will be extensive,” he said.
Andy Reid’s teams have used running backs and tight ends in the passing game more than anyone else in the NFL and this is key for the Eagles due to their lack of big-play threats at wide receiver. The same will hold true under Pederson. Sproles is an X-factor on offense and it’ll be interesting to see how he’s utilized. Will he be motioned around and see snaps as a wide receiver like Brian Westbrook used to, we shall see. He’ll certainly be a key cog on third down.
Mathews should be the lead back and Darren Sproles the backup, but the depth chart behind them is murky.
Fifth-round draft pick Wendell Smallwood received a lot of praise during the spring practices, but that was when he was in gym shorts. Will that momentum carry into Training Camp. If it does, Smallwood could be the guy to watch in this whole thing. Pederson has praised his hands and pass catching ability throughout the offseason.
Kenjon Barner, Cedric O’Neal and Byron Marshall will also be in the mix. Barner showed some promise in limited snaps last year, while O’Neal and Marshall are undrafted rookies. I’m curious to see how Pederson uses the versatile Marshall, who tallied 1,000 yards rushing and receiving at different points during his Oregon career.
If I had to guess, Pederson will keep four running backs like Kelly did last year instead of the traditional three, although I can also see a scenario where he keeps three and one on the practice squad.