Eagles vs. Cowboys: Three Storylines to Watch For

Aug 29, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker

(52) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Is The Philadelphia Eagles Run Game In Trouble?

Perhaps one of the most unsettling aspects of the Philadelphia Eagles play-calling on Monday was the run-to-pass ratio. The Eagles rushed 16 times against the Falcons. To put this into context, DeMarco Murray did not have fewer than 19 carries in any game last season.

Now, I am all in favor of the percentage split that the running backs shared. DeMarco Murray had 33 snaps (45%), Darren Sproles had 25 offensive snaps (34%), and Ryan Mathews had 16 offensive snaps (22%). That is terrific. We just need to see more rushing attempts in the future. This isn’t a sky is falling paranoia however. The pace of the game and the struggles of the Eagles offense led to the way the game was called.

Against the Cowboys, the Eagles need to get back to a balanced offense however. The Cowboys will be without defensive end Randy Gregory, which makes it imperative Chip Kelly attacks the right side of the Cowboys defense. Last game, the Philadelphia Eagles only ran behind their All-Pro left tackle three times. I fully expect the offense to target that side on Sunday.

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