The running back position is one of the most important positions in all of football, no matter the playing level. That being said, the Eagles will need good production to get the Doug Pederson era off to a good start. They have quite a nice crop of running backs this year but, looking at last season’s production, that means virtually nothing. However, Pederson clearly knows how to make the most of his running backs, as both Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West had good seasons in place of the injured Jamaal Charles. The Eagles may have “The Running Back Whisperer.”
Philadelphia Eagles Running Back Lineup Projection
1. Ryan Mathews
Mathews is absolutely the starter, although there are several concerns with his ability to be the #1 guy. Mathews has had fumbling issues during his entire career, fumbling the ball three times in just over 100 touches last season. By comparison, DeMarco Murray only fumbled twice in just under double the touches. Mathews has also had problems staying on the field. Over the course of his six seasons, he’s only been able to complete one season, which was his 2013 campaign. Despite these concerns, he is a very talented back and is solid at both rushing and receiving. He should be a critical piece of the new offense.
2. Darren Sproles
All of this hinges on if Sproles returns to the Eagles or not. Sproles is the most versatile player on the roster, and perhaps in the entire NFL. Sproles is a decent runner, but he is a superb receiving back. It seems like he can find a hole anywhere. On the downside, he’s getting quite old for a running back at 32 years old, and he certainly isn’t the long-term answer for the Eagles. It appears that the hope is that he can mentor younger players like Wendell Smallwood, Kenjon Barner, and Byron Marshall.
3. Wendell Smallwood
The third spot is the hardest to predict, as there will be a fierce battle between Smallwood, Barner, and Marshall. Smallwood will likely end up winning due to his balance of rushing and receiving abilities. He’s small and that will be a problem for him in all facets of the game, but more so with rushing. He doesn’t have the shiftiness, speed, or veteran presence of Sproles, which is why he will lose the backup job.
4. Byron Marshall
Marshall is very versatile (much like Sproles) and he seems to have a trace of Sproles’ shiftiness. However, he’s not as good at finding holes as Sproles is, so he will get relegated to the #4 spot for now. As for Kenjon Barner, he may not even be with the Eagles. It is an uphill battle for him to contribute. Marshall may be Pederson’s guy for Barner’s role.
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