Inside the Iggles
FanSided

Philadelphia Eagles: How will Philly address current running back situation this offseason?

By Alex DeMarzo

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles hands the ball off to Jay Ajayi #36 against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles hands the ball off to Jay Ajayi #36 against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Ronald Darby of the Eagles during the NFL International Series match between Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 28, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Ronald Darby of the Eagles during the NFL International Series match between Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium on October 28, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

The Philadelphia Eagles have numerous personnel decisions to make this offseason. One of the most urgent needs is at the running back position.

For anyone who paid attention to the Philadelphia Eagles this past season, you know their Achilles’ heel on offense was the rushing attack or lack thereof. When Jay Ajayi went down with a season-ending injury in Week 5, the Eagles were faced with a great dilemma of not having a stellar running back to lean on. Also, Darren Sproles and Corey Clement missed significant time due to injuries as well.

Thus, Philadelphia was forced to implement ‘running back by committee’ into their system with the likes of Wendell Smallwood and Josh Adams.

While Smallwood and Adams had their shining moments, the Eagles’ rushing attack was still not an imminent threat for opposing teams.

The Eagles were among the league’s worst teams in the rushing department. Philadelphia finished the season ranked 28th with an average 3.9 yards-per-carry and 98.1 yards per game.

Furthermore, when it came time for the postseason the absence of a reliable running back was more prominent than ever. Out of the 12 teams who qualified for the playoffs, the Eagles’ running game was ranked dead last. In two games, ‘The Birds’ averaged just over two yards-per-carry with a dreadful 45.5 yards per game.

As we head into the offseason, Eagles Executive Vice President of Football Operations Howie Roseman must address this egregious problem and bring in a reliable “feature back.”

Let’s explore the multiples avenues where the Eagles can potentially find their next franchise running back.

Home/Eagles News