NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Philadelphia Eagles will have one of the best backfields in the NFL for the 2023-24 season. But like all teams, that will be dependent on health. So, let’s just say that everyone will remain healthy. If that’s the case, what team has better options?
After losing Miles Sanders to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, the Eagles made huge moves with the offseason acquisitions of D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny. But even before that, they managed to resign Boston Scott while still having the luxury of handing the ball off to Kenneth Gainwell.
Even before the offseason moves, it was clear that Gainwell was set to take over. But here the Philadelphia Eagles are with 4 healthy backs and then you add Jalen Hurts and that’s 5 backs who each can add a different dimension to a unit that finished 5th in the NFL in Rushing last season.
Penny is seen as an injury risk, but once again, this is based on all backs remaining healthy. In his previous stints, Penny has rushed for 1918 yards and 13 TDS on 337 carries. Gainwell has rushed for 531 yards and 9 TDS on 121 Carrie’s. Scott has rushed for 1209 yards and 16 TDs on 282 carries, and Swift has rushed for 1680 yards and 18 TDs on 364 carries to go with 1198 receiving yards and 7 Tds on 156 receptions in just 3 seasons.
Who Will Be The Philadelphia Eagles Starting RB
But here is where the Eagles’ offense will be deadly. While Scott and Gainwell were used sparingly, the Philadelphia Eagles can open up the playbook with Swift for his pass-catching ability. This is a wrinkle the Eagles were missing last season at their backfield only caught 48 passes on 61 targets. Now, adding that dimension to their offensive scheme will give defensive coordinators fits in the film room.
While most teams will go with a 2-back rotation, the Philadelphia Eagles have 4 backs they can use at all times. And that will jump to 5 if you count Hurts. According to Bleacher Report, the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco, 49ers stand above the rest of the NFL in terms of running back production heading into the new seaosn. However, no team in the NFL has the depth the Eagles have at the position.
What makes a great aerial attack is a team’s ability to run the ball effectively. The Philadelphia Eagles lost the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs for that reason as well. Sanders couldn’t get going and Hurts was forced to air it out. This season should be about clock control.
Hurts put up MVP-type numbers last season and while his production ships take a dip this coming season, the team’s success should not. If they can finish the season relatively healthy, a second straight trip to the Super Bowl is not out of the question. As it was last season with Sanders and Hurts, the ground game will be key.
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