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Eagles coach Doug Pederson explains the running back rotation

By Justin Grasso

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on January 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on January 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Eagles head coach Doug Pederson clears up what most of us were questioning.

When the Philadelphia Eagles decided to keep five running backs on the roster, it was clear that they were going to use a “committee” system. Everybody was sure that LeGarrette Blount would lead the team in carries, so they were shocked when he had zero carries in week two.

When the Eagles defeated the New York Giants, they looked like they finally found balance and a running game. Wendell Smallwood and Blount each had 12 carries while Darren Sproles and Corey Clement combined for nine carries. This past week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers was no different. Smallwood and Clement had an even ten carries a piece while Blount has lead the pack with 16.

The rotation process:

Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles /

Philadelphia Eagles

So far, the new approach has looked really good, but everyone has been wondering how the running back rotation works exactly. In previous years, running back coach Duce Staley has had the responsibility of directing the rotation. This season the Eagles have done more preparation for it.

Head coach Doug Pederson made his weekly phone call to the WIP Morning show with Angelo Cataldi Monday morning. He was applauded for sticking to the running game on Sunday, and the hosts were curious about how decisions were made about who goes in and who gets the ball.

Pederson told the hosts that the Eagles coaches plan the rotation during the days leading up to games. He stated that the running backs and coaches meet to decide which player goes in on certain plays. The rotational system may be different every week, but it has run very smoothly so far.

Next: That committee system might just work

The Eagles running backs made their presence felt, and Smallwood chipped in with a touchdown on Sunday. It was clear that Pederson’s agenda was to get the running game going and to stick to it. With that part of the gameplan finding success, it’s almost certain that the Eagles will plan to keep running the ball this week.

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