Inside the Iggles
FanSided

Running back Byron Marshall is a forgotten man for the Eagles

By Ralph Uriarte

Nov 29, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Pharaoh Brown (85) holds his hands up as running back Byron Marshall (9) runs for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers in the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Pharaoh Brown (85) holds his hands up as running back Byron Marshall (9) runs for a touchdown against the Oregon State Beavers in the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Undrafted rookie Byron Marshall looks to make his mark in a crowded backfield for the Philadelphia Eagles where he seems to be a forgotten man.

Running back Byron Marshall is one of the many Oregon Ducks who found their way onto the Philadelphia Eagles roster. It’s not Marshall’s fault his alma mater has left a bad taste in the mouths of fans on more than one occassion, but the Eagles’ coaching staff obviously saw something that they liked.

More from Inside the Iggles

When taking a look at Marshall’s stats, the first thing you notice is back to back 1000 yard seasons. What’s also very interesting is the fact that he’s played both running back and wide receiver. He wasn’t too keen on the switch initially, and it’s easy to see why. He was the leading rusher in the Pac 12 before making the switch.

The Oregon coaching staff saw something in Marshall, and they were right. Marshall went on to rack up over 1000 yards as a receiver and still managed to pick up another 392 yards on the ground as a running back.

usa-kenjon-barner-eagles
So why wasn’t this amazing dual threat selected? Unfortunately, four games into his senior season, Marshall was injured and was forced out of action. It wasn’t all bad though. He would rehab throughout the year, and not being drafted alleviated some of the heavy expectations. Marshall has been able to sit back in the rotation and learn from the veterans without added pressure. /

With that being said, let’s take a look at the Eagles backfield, Ryan Mathews is sure to be the starter. Then there’s both Darren Sproles and this year’s fifth round pick, Wendell Smallwood. After that, is it possible to say Kenjon Barner makes the cut? Let’s take a look.

Barner has never been the number one guy. He’s never even been the second option. Barner has basically been insurance if somebody got hurt. We’ve heard that throughout OTA’s and mini camp that he’s been great, but if you ask fans what they think of him and you might hear about fumbles. According to the stats, Barner only had one fumble and limited touches last season, How do we explain it? It’s fairly easy. It comes down to timing. The game was against the New England Patriots, and it was under two minutes to go. The Eagles lost possession, and gave Tom Brady and company another chance. The Eagles’ defense was able to make the stop, but that one really stuck in the minds of fans.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles: Future Hall of Famers

When people tell you that Philadelphia is a tough city to play in, Eagles fans can be a very tough crowd and Lincoln Financial Field can be as hostile for the home team as it can be for the visiting team, they aren’t lying. Eagles fans seem to remember everything.

Marshall, again, comes into his rookie year, and he may be looking at Barner and thinking that he can do everything Barner can. He’s also less expensive. Camp starts in a couple of weeks, and it may not be surprising if one takes the job of another. Try and look past the fact that he’s from Oregon. Yes, Eagles fans are sick and tired of their coaches and players, but maybe we should wait an see what happens before throwing him off of the team.

Home/Eagles News