The Time Is Now Or Never For Byron Marshall
By Matt Giraldi
Injuries have ravaged the already thin roster of the Philadelphia Eagles this season. With nothing left to play for in 2016, young unproven players such as running back Byron Marshall now have an opportunity to shine.
The Philadelphia Eagles are out of contention for the playoffs. What’s more fun than the Eagles playing meaningless December football? Development of the younger players however can be entertaining. In the case of Byron Marshall, entertaining might be a gross understatement.
Stop me if you’ve heard me say once or twice that Marshall is a phenomenal player. Actually, don’t stop me. I believe Marshall is the real deal. So I am going to continue to single-handily get this hype train rolling. Maybe not a 20-carry type guy, but 12-15 touches is easily attainable. That type of production is what the Eagles have become accustomed to from Darren Sproles.
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A violent (cough illegal cough) collision that resulted in a concussion will cause Sproles to miss this week. Sproles’ future is going to raise some interesting questions this offseason. Ryan Mathews has not been the bell cow he was projected to be, despite some occasional flashes. Wendell Smallwood is hurt and done for the season. Kenjon Barner has his glamour shot on a milk carton.
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As a collective unit, the Eagles running backs have failed to eclipse 100 rushing yards in five of the last seven games. Efficiency of the running backs as individuals this season paints a different story. All four running backs are averaging over 4.1 yards per carry this season. Mathews has been a blessing in the red zone. He has the eighth most carries in the NFL inside the 10-yard line. Only seven players have more rushing touchdowns inside the five.
Unfortunately the Baltimore Ravens have allowed a total of five touchdowns to opposing running backs. They are the only team in the NFL that hasn’t allowed 1,000 yards on the ground. A welcome to the NFL moment for Marshall and company could not have come under more difficult pretenses. Believe it or not there is hope.
The Ravens have allowed 78 receptions for 630 yards from opposing running backs this season however. I did mention Marshall’s ability to catch the ball correct? How about his ability in open space? Marshall, if called upon, has an uncanny ability to make things happen in open space.
"Byron Marshall makes defenders look silly #GoDucks http://t.co/6sYAu4XJ66— Oregon Football (@WinTheDay) October 19, 2014"
Marshall’s size coupled with his inexperience will likely result in a limited role this afternoon. A big play or two however could force Doug Pederson’s hand the following two games. That’s all we are reduced to as Eagles fans at this point. Hope that young players, such as Marshall, can piece together building blocks for the future. Besides, winning games doesn’t hurt the Eagles first round draft slot. There’s no reason not to cheer for his, and the Eagles, success.