Philadelphia Eagles: That committee system might just work

Let’s re-visit that theory about the Philadelphia Eagles and their ideas about a committee approach at the running back position.

With 6:44 left in the Philadelphia Eagles‘ fourth game of the season, “The Birds” took the field. They were clinging to a 26-24 lead. A 13-play drive ensued. The Los Angeles Chargers wouldn’t get the ball again. Time would expire before the Eagles’ final drive would.

Those types of moments would have never happened a season ago. The normally pass-happy Eagles and their coach, Doug Pederson demonstrated a balanced attack during their trip to Carson, California as the StubHub Center provided a glorified home game for the visiting Eagles.

It’s probably also taught us that this team no longer has to rely completely on their second-year quarterback in order to be successful.

The “three-headed monster”:

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There were 40 run plays on Sunday. Three running backs had at least ten rushing attempts. LeGarrette Blount led the way with 137 yards on 16 carries. He also provided, perhaps, the game’s biggest moment with a heart-stopping 68-yard run. That would precede his 15-yard carry on a third down late in the fourth quarter to salt things away.

Then, there was Wendell Smallwood. He added another 34 yards on ten carries, and he put an exclamation mark on things with his dive into the end zone for the Eagles’ second touchdown of the game.

That one would help ensure Philly’s third victory of the season.

If you haven’t heard, there’s a new kid on the block as well. It’s a former undrafted free agent who made the team by the name of Corey Clement. For his young NFL career, he has 16 carries for 52 yards. That includes his longest run, 15 yards, and a much-needed touchdown in a week-three victory over the New York Giants.

Sometimes, the term “committee system” has a negative connotation to it. Some believe it means a team truly doesn’t have their “ace” at the running back position. In Philly, it has a nice ring to it. It might make one think back to the days of Duce Staley, Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter.

No one will complain about that.