Reasonable expectations for the Philadelphia Eagles rushing attack, running backs
- Running backs are making less money, and their usage is at an all-time low.
- The Eagles have had one of the best rushing attacks in football under Nick Sirianni.
- Philadelphia has created a nice mix of fresh faces and returning veterans.
- There's reason to be excited about these guys with Brian Johnson leading them.
With new arrivals, familiar faces, and a top-tier dual-threat quarterback, expectations for the Eagles' rushing attack remains as high as ever.
In today's version of the NFL, we have seen reductions in both running back usage and the salaries that they are given. It hasn't seemed to matter much in the Philadelphia Eagles' nest. They have consistently fielded one of the best rushing attacks in football under head coach Nick Sirianni.
In his first year as the Eagles' head coach (2021), Philly led the NFL with 2,715 rushing yards on 550 combined carries. In 2022, Sirianni's team posted an impressive 2,509 rushing yards on 544 carries en route to a Super Bowl appearance.
The expectations for the Eagles' offense are sky-high as we near the start of the 2023 regular season. Miles Sanders left by way of free agency. He was the team's lead running back in each of the past four seasons. New offensive coordinator Brian Johnson steps into the role vacated by Shane Steichen, but the standard of excellence remains.
Jalen Hurts, the 2022 MVP runner-up leads the way. He has racked up 1,898 rushing yards over his first three NFL seasons. He was the team's leading rusher in 2021. Recently acquired D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny join a running back room that also features Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott.
Philly also carries Trey Sermon and Kennedy Brooks on the 90-man training camp roster. The deadline to trim the roster to 53 men and a 16-man practice squad is Tuesday, August 29th. Will the Eagles keep four running backs on the gameday roster or five? They have utilized five running backs or more during the regular season in six of the last seven years. Let's talk about some expectations.