Last season, the Eagles struggled out of the gate in Chip Kelly's new fast-paced offense, but were able to put the pieces together and finish with a 10-6 record. The second-half performance left very few doubters in Chip's system, and many expect the Eagles' offense to improve this year as most of the players have had a year to accumulate to it. This offseason saw not only defensive fixes, but also allowed for additional pieces that fit Chip Kelly's offense to be picked up, including running back Darren Sproles.
At the expense of a fifth round pick, the Eagles acquired a running back who could do it all: run, catch, block, you name it. Sproles is a jack of all trades, which is the perfect toy for Kelly to play around with this season. Last season with the Saints, Sproles rushed only 53 times for 220 yards and two touchdowns, but also managed to record 71 receptions for 604 yards and another 2 touchdowns. Sproles has turned into a receiving back over the years, as his rushing attempts have decreased and his receiving targets have gone up. With Shady already occupying the RB1 role, there is no need for Sproles to carry a large rushing role on offense. Chip's system should allow Sproles to not only be comfortable and do what he does best, but should also make it easier to make the big plays, since opposing defenses need to be aware of McCoy at all times.
Shady's workload was immense last season, as he rushed 314 times and was also targeted on 64 pass attempts. He's still young and able to repeat that type of season, but if the Eagles want to get the most out of LeSean for as long as possible, acquiring a second back who can also be a dynamic player on offense was a must. Maybe Chris Polk and Matthew Tucker, currently 3 and 4 on the Eagles' depth chart, would have been able to step in and help out Shady, but Sproles is not only a safer bet, he is also a borderline pro bowler when he is at his best.
If you enjoyed watching the Eagles' offense last season, hold onto your seats this year. 16 games (plus playoffs) with McCoy and Sproles in the backfield should make for some of the most entertaining moments the Philadelphia sports scene has encountered in a long time.
By: Dan Goggin
Shady's workload was immense last season, as he rushed 314 times and was also targeted on 64 pass attempts. He's still young and able to repeat that type of season, but if the Eagles want to get the most out of LeSean for as long as possible, acquiring a second back who can also be a dynamic player on offense was a must. Maybe Chris Polk and Matthew Tucker, currently 3 and 4 on the Eagles' depth chart, would have been able to step in and help out Shady, but Sproles is not only a safer bet, he is also a borderline pro bowler when he is at his best.
If you enjoyed watching the Eagles' offense last season, hold onto your seats this year. 16 games (plus playoffs) with McCoy and Sproles in the backfield should make for some of the most entertaining moments the Philadelphia sports scene has encountered in a long time.
By: Dan Goggin
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