Inside the Iggles
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Duck, Duck, Goose For Philadelphia Eagles Running Backs

By Matt Giraldi

Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) rushes the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Chris Culliver (29) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. Washington Redskins won 23 - 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) rushes the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Chris Culliver (29) defends during the second half at FedEx Field. Washington Redskins won 23 - 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) reacts to his touchdown run against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Ryan Mathews (24) reacts to his touchdown run against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Mathews was easily the Eagles best running back in 2015. While Matthews had 86 fewer carries than DeMarco Murray, he averaged a robust 5.0 yards-per-carry. Both Mathews and Kenjon Barner were the only two Eagles running backs to average over 4.0 yards-per-carry.

Mathews was relatively a non-factor in the passing game. He had a couple untimely drops that could have resulted in a touchdown early in the season. Fortunately there were few drops overall. Mathews ended the season catching 20 passes for a total of 146 yards and one touchdown.

Durability concerns have continued to plague the career of Mathews, however. Mathews suffered a concussion that forced him to miss three games. Additionally, Mathews had groin surgery at the conclusion of the regular season. Mathews turns 29 years old this October. Whether the Eagles like it or not, time is not on their side at running back.

If you can believe it, there is a perceived trade market for Mathews’ services in the event that the Eagles do decide to draft a running back.

Personally, I’m skeptical of any hypothetical trade market based solely on draft smokescreens. In the event that the Eagles draft a running back, it will be interesting to revisit this particular rumor. Until then however, is just more draft speculation that rarely comes to fruition.

Next: Will Age Catch Up To Darren Sproles?

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