The Philadelphia Eagles will enter Week 18 as the top rushing offense in the NFL. However, they havent had a single running back surpass 800 rushing yards on the season.
Theyve gotten contributions from Miles Sanders, Jordan Howard, Boston Scott, and Kenneth Gainwell using a running back by committee approach that differs from the traditional sense of the phrase.
The dominant play of the offensive line has been the true catalyst for the development of the dangerous rushing attack. Jalen Hurts has shown tremendous athleticism from the quarterback position and added a statistical boost as the teams leading rusher with 784 yards on the ground in 15 games. Head coach Nick Sirianni has also committed heavily to the run with his play selection during the second half of the season.
These three key factors in the resurgence of the Eagles top-ranked running game have enabled the work of four running backs who have each added over 400 all-purpose yards this season.
The Eagles penciled in Sanders as their primary running back entering the 2021 season. The 2019 second-round draft pick is the most talented back on the roster. Four runs for 82, 74, 74, and 65 yards in his first two NFL seasons demonstrated the threat he poses as a home-run hitter that opposing defenses must account for. He leads all Eagles running backs with 754 rushing yards this season, thanks in large part to consecutive games with over 100 yards against the New York Jets and the Washington Football Team in December.
Jordan Howard made his way onto the active roster ahead of the Detroit Lions game in Week 8. He has revitalized his career by offering a change of pace from Sanders. He poses less of a threat to break longer runs, but he hits open holes hard. His straight-ahead style has meshed well with the strong run blocking along the offensive line. He has 406 rushing yards in seven games this season.
Boston Scott has proven he is capable of handling considerable workloads with 10 or more carries in six of 16 games this season. During Sundays win in Washington, he gave Hurts a good receiving option out of the backfield with four catches and added two touchdowns with impressive runs on a pair of 4th and Goal tries.
Rookie fifth-rounder Kenneth Gainwell began the season as the primary backup to Sanders. He showed good potential in the opening weeks of the season, especially as a receiver out of the backfield with 13 catches for 114 yards in Weeks 1-4.
The contexts of the contributions of each running back are critical in analyzing the committee approach. The deployment has been severely affected by injuries, inconsistent balance in play-calling, and the emergence of a new team identity.
The Eagles averaged just 23.4 rushing attempts per game through Week 7, and Sirianni showed a tendency to abandon the run. Sanders saw 60% or more of the offensive snap counts in each of the Eagles first six games, but he only carried the ball 7.3 times on average in the final four games of that stretch. He suffered a leg injury in the first quarter in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
His three-game absence began the committees bizarre shuffle. The injury pushed the Eagles to promote Howard from the practice squad and forced them to give Scott a bigger role. It came at the same time as Siriannis shift in offensive game planning.
The two backs helped the Eagles run 46 times for 236 yards against the Lions. The 44-6 win began a seven-game stretch in which the Eagles averaged 41.2 carries per game. Scott played four offensive snaps in Weeks 1-6 but suddenly found himself as a key factor in a revitalized Philadelphia offense.
Sanders joined the party and rushed for 94 yards against the New Orleans Saints in his return in Week 11. His heavy usage reduced Scotts role and established a good complement with Howard. He reached a more effective level while playing under 60% of the offensive snaps in each of his last six games.
The rotation didnt last long. Howard suffered a knee injury and missed the following two games.Sanders handled duties as the primary ball carrier and averaged 5.58 yards per carry (YPC) in Howards absence.
The Sanders/Howard complement proved lethal again in Week 14, but both backs suffered injuries against the New York Giants on Dec. 26.Sanders remains sidelined with a broken hand.
Sirianni has drifted away from using Gainwell in a major role. His biggest contributions on the ground during the second half of the season came during the respective fourth quarters of blowout wins against the Jets and Lions.
The success of the plug-and-play style didnt translate statistically on Sunday in Washington.
Scott carried 14 times for 47 yards in the game when the Eagles finished with their lowest rushing total since Week 7 and their lowest YPC on the season. Howard carried 11 times for 26 yards. The 2.36 YPC was his lowest of the season by a wide margin.
The Eagles cant interchangeably rotate running backs with no effect on the offense. They proved that Sunday with a rushing attack that paled in comparison to the spectacular efforts in the preceding weeks.
However, the trajectory of the Eagles rushing attack in 2021 indicates the importance of factors beyond the running back position that affect the running game in more significant ways than the backs themselves.
Bo Wulf of The Athletic accurately assessed the minimized running game after Sunday afternoons matchup as a product of an underwhelming effort from the offensive line.
I thought the offensive line as a whole played its worst ganme in a while Sunday. Mailata struggled at times, Johnson committed two penalties and was a little less than perfect otherwise and Hurts faced more pressure than he has in a while. Its hard to imagine the Eagles winning in two weeks if they cant rely on their bread-and-butter rushing attack.
He acknowledged the absence of Sanders and the potential nagging injury to Howard as additional factors but focused on the line, the foundational cause of Philadelphias ascension to the top-ranked rushing attack in the NFL.
Most NFL franchises value the run-blocking ability along the offensive line as a more important factor in the running game than the ball carrier himself, and very few teams allocate significant resources into one running back as a foundational building block for long-term success. The Eagles should serve as an example for NFL teams who evaluate the position in the future.
The shift in offensive game planning by Sirianni has also led to the breakout of the backs. The difference between the performance of Sanders at the beginning of the season with minimal opportunities and his performance since returning in Week 11 provides an example of how backs can benefit from a commitment to the running game and a favorable workload based on the contributions of an effective rotation.
The four running backs have performed impressively in 2021, and the health of Sanders and Howard is certainly noteworthy to the team moving forward. However, the ability of the team to plug and play with a four-man committee only reinforces the notion that running backs are actually a secondary factor in an effective rushing attack.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
More here:
- Ascension (TV Mini-Series 2014) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb [Last Updated On: June 14th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 14th, 2016]
- Ascension (miniseries) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Ascension of Jesus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 19th, 2016]
- Ascension - Wikitravel [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Ascension Of Jesus - Bible Story Summary [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Ascension - NEW ADVENT [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Ascension - Season 1 Reviews - Metacritic [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Home - Ascension Parish [Last Updated On: June 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 21st, 2016]
- Ascension - Sal Rachele [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Ascension [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Welcome to our Parish! | Ascension Catholic Church [Last Updated On: June 28th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 28th, 2016]
- Ascension - Definition and Meaning, Bible Dictionary [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Ascension - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Coffee & Wine Bar | Ascension Coffee Roasters Dallas, Texas [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Home - Ascension School [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- What is Ascension | Sandra Walter - Creative Evolution [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Ascension News, Sports and Entertainment | The Advocate [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Welcome to our Parish! | Ascension Catholic Church [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Ascension - Guild Wars Wiki (GWW) [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Ascension - SGCommand - Wikia [Last Updated On: June 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: June 29th, 2016]
- Ascension (TV Mini-Series 2014) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2016]
- Ascension Ministries and Norm Franz. A Torah Based End ... [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2016]
- Ascension Energy Program [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2016]
- Ascension with Mother Earth and Current State of Affairs [Last Updated On: July 3rd, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 3rd, 2016]
- Ascension of Our Lord [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- Clerk of Court - Home [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- 'Ascension': What Syfy Did Better Than Most TV Networks [Last Updated On: July 25th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 25th, 2016]
- Orgone Radionic Machine | Ascension Energy Program [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2016]
- Xcalibur Magnetic Field Generator | Ascension Energy Program [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Ascension Symptoms & Signs of Spiritual Awakening [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2016]
- Ascension Catholic Community [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2016]
- Crystal Ascension [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2016]
- Freedom Resource Center - Ascension_151#151 [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2016]
- Ascension (miniseries) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2016]
- THE LORD OF ASCENSION - gotquestions.org [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2016]
- Ascension Parish | News from The Advocate | theadvocate.com [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2016]
- Ascension Church - Portland, OR [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2016]
- What is Ascension - The Secret Truth About [Last Updated On: November 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: November 4th, 2016]
- Ascension of Jesus - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2016]
- Stankov's Universal Law Press The New General Theory of ... [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- The Plan and Process of Ascension - Spiritual Evolution [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Ascension Wikipedia [Last Updated On: December 7th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 7th, 2016]
- Monastery of Ascension - RuneScape Wiki - Wikia [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2016]
- Mythology of Stargate - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2017]
- What is Ascension? Energetic Synthesis [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2017]
- Right ascension - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2017]
- Ascension (TV Mini-Series 2014 ) - IMDb [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2017]
- Latest Ascension Parish Crime Briefs - Donaldsonville Chief - Donaldsonville Chief [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Album Review: THE OMINOUS CIRCLE Appalling Ascension - Metal Injection.net [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Former Ascension coaches make HOF - Donaldsonville Chief [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- 2 killed in crash Sunday afternoon in Ascension Parish - KLFY [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Card Coming Together For Saturday's FIP: Ascension - FloSlam [Last Updated On: February 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 6th, 2017]
- Impairment suspected in Ascension Parish crash - Weekly Citizen [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Ascension opens first clinic under new unified name - St. Louis Business Journal [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Crime cameras go live in Ascension Parish with plans for more - WBRZ [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- TowerFall Ascension Review - TrueAchievements [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Ascension to move forward on street widening and intersection projects - WBRZ [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Mojo Rawley Works Dark Match, Ascension / Vaudevillians Note, The New England Patriots Celebrate With Their ... - Wrestlezone [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Harry Kane Reflects on Tottenham's Ascension and Mauricio Pochettino's Influence - HotspurHQ [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Complete Construction Contractors owner arrested on counts of post-flood contractor fraud in Ascension - The Advocate [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Governor likely in Tamil Nadu today, but may bide time over Sasikala's ascension - Times of India [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Tour Ascension executive director among leadership academy graduates - Weekly Citizen [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Girls soccer playoffs: Mount Carmel dominates East Ascension, moves to quarterfinals - The Advocate [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Ascension, Livingston, St. James parishes pick up pieces after tornadoes - The Advocate [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- FIP: Ascension Preview: What's Next From Uncle John's Friends? - FloSlam [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Contestants Chosen for 2017 Ascension Idol Competition - TheCreole.com (press release) (blog) [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office investigating fake Facebook page - WBRZ [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Ascension Parish arrest report - News - Gonzales Weekly Citizen ... - Weekly Citizen [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Tower Ascension Xbox One review enter the Dark World - Metro [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Ascension Announces New Album "Under The Veil Of Madness" - Metal Underground [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The angels announce the Ascension; Angels: Day 203 - Patheos (blog) [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Patricia Maryland, Dr.PH, to Become President and CEO of Ascension Healthcare - Michronicleonline [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Boys basketball: East Ascension takes physical game against ... - The Advocate [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- The Shady Ascension of Luther Strange - New Republic [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- FIP Ascension 2017 live results thread: Yehi vs. Cage - Cageside ... - Cageside Seats (blog) [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- Regional sewer plans in Ascension appear headed for another set back - The Advocate [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- WWE News: The Ascension's Viktor responds to WWE excluding them in a video - Sportskeeda [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Chandler, East Ascension driving toward a higher goal as postseason arrives - The Advocate [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Elimination Chamber 2017 Results: American Alphas Defeats The Ascension - Business 2 Community [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Utah Jazz: Brad Stevens Praises Gordon Hayward's All-Star Ascension - Purple & Blues [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]