Running game

[Omar 382]

What does everyone expect from our running game the rest of the season? In my opinion, Clement is only playing because we don't have a fourth running back to take his place at the moment, because the guy is clearly playing hurt. That or he's regressed significantly since last year, which I doubt. I like him a fair amount when healthy.

Adams, I really don't know. Haven't seen enough. He looked pretty great against a stout Jacksonville defense, but it was only one game. He was something like the leading rusher all time for the Fighting Irish before getting hurt (?) and thus going undrafted.

I don't get the hate on here for Smallwood. I think he's a fine back; certainly not a bell-cow RB, but adequate for a team with a QB like Wentz. He's averaging 4.3 Y/A, which is 30th out of 52 qualified RB's. Again, not a stud, but I think we can win with him, a supporting cast, our receiving weapons, and of course Wentz.

Sproles, I'm not sure when the hell he comes back. And how much he has left. But I will take Darren Sproles on 2nd and 6 over anyone on the Eagles' roster. Not to mention his greatness at returning kicks/punts.

 

[Omar 382]

It's funny how people forget- as awesome as Wentz was, and as awesome as Foles was in the playoffs (especially MIN and NE), the running game was so fucking dominant last year. In the regular season, we were 3rd in the NFL in Y/G, 4th in Y/A. Compare that to our passing game; 13th in Y/G, 7th in QB rating. Though we were 1st in TD%, 6th best in INT%.

Playoffs, we had our only touchdown against Atlanta on a run from Blount, Blount scored the first TD against MIN, Blount scored a TD against NE (all that's IIRC).

It will be interesting to see how we do down the stretch without a premier running back like Blount or Ajayi.

 

[Omar 382]

Also, apparently Sproles is back this week. Anyone wanna guess the snap count for our 4 illustrious running backs?

 

[Rey]

Ajayi was a better Back than what he was given credit for. He ran hard, wasn't easy to bring down and had good short burst. I think Blount's game can finally be replaced by Adams (our best Back imo). Clement and Smallwood have shown to be average plug-ins as opposed to guys who can carry the mail. Either guy can have a decent showing here and there, but neither can be counted on consistently. Looking forward to seeing what we have with Adams in a larger role ... if he works out we don't have to spend a high draft pick on a Back. Maybe a later Round pass receiving / 3rd down specialist type.

 

[Iggloo]

I think Smallwood is trash personally. I want to see more of Josh Adams this week. With Sproles back I suspect we will see a real mish-mash back there until the coaches get a sense of whether Sproles is back and whether Adams can carry a bigger load.

I liked Clement a lot, last year. I think he must be more injured than he has let on, because he simply hasn't hard the burst he had a year ago.

 

[Northern Eagle]

A reliable consistent run game is the only thing holding this offence back from being like the Rams or Saints.

Smallwood ideally should be a #3 or #4 option at best; I agree that Clement is hurt and we're not seeing the best of him, but he too is not a top option. Adams has talent and the most upside, but we're asking a lot from an UDFA if he's going to be our main guy... Sproles' return will help, but it has to be a truly collaborative effort to succeed moving forward. Losing Ajayi was a real kick in the nuts.

 

[mall3013]

Any guesses how many points we drop on the likes this weekend? My guess is high 30s maybe even in the 40s. With our defense getting Jernigan back, I think this will allow a bigger pass rush. I think Dam will be running for his life. Also, the loss of Sean Lee is a big blow to their defense imo. He may not be what he oncewas, but he is the voice for that defense. I think this game gets ugly quickly.

 

[Four4Four]

Ok sproles just needs to retire right now. Another injury in practice, c'mon man

 

[Orlando Eagles]

Ok sproles just needs to retire right now. Another injury in practice, c'mon man

Quick hindsight read...but I remember Carter's waive the other day not sitting totally right with me....felt like a lot of confidence on a player that is, unfortunately, old and injury worn at this point.

Will be interesting to see what is done with KR/PR. I have heard maybe Nelly or Tate. I think it is at least possible that Nelly could do at least as well as Carter had. I am sure Tate too....though I don't know for sure.

As for RB....I really didn't expect too much from Sproles in the running game (as much as I hoped he could come in and help).

 

[Screamin Eagle]

The running game is a mess. Howie screwed up by letting Blount go. Smallwood is serviceable. Clement is a conundrum. Adams is pretty much an unknown and sadly Sproles is done. It's a mess.

 

[eaglesnut]

Maybe Clement gets healthy during the bye week and can carry the load down the stretch.

But it's going to matter how we pass. Adding Tate was huge and we need to lean on our strength there.

Mix in enough runs to keep Wentz upright and we'll be fine there.

 

[Orlando Eagles]

Maybe Clement gets healthy during the bye week and can carry the load down the stretch.

But it's going to matter how we pass. Adding Tate was huge and we need to lean on our strength there.

Mix in enough runs to keep Wentz upright and we'll be fine there.

Here is the thing I feel on Clement....last year he was great often in run and pass. He was not asked much or too often as he did not need to carry much weight. Many times he blew up he was being mixed in right. Complimentary. That is not there this year......going along with what I am sure has been a lingering injury.