NFL Philadelphia Eagles

Darren Sproles Will Be X-Factor For Philadelphia Eagles In Week 8

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Eric Hartline - USA TODAY Sports

Eric Hartline – USA TODAY Sports

If a mad scientist wanted to create a prototype of the ideal Chip Kelly football player, that player would look something like Philadelphia Eagles running back Darren Sproles. So far in his first season with the Eagles, the veteran running back has proven to not only fit in Kelly’s offense but thrive in it. What the diminutive running back lacks in size he more than makes up for with speed, agility and shiftiness. And heading into Week 8 against the Arizona Cardinals, Sproles will need a big game if Philly wants to leave Arizona with a win and improve to 6-1 on the season.

What’s most appealing about Sproles and what truly makes him an x-factor is the fact that he’s extremely dynamic. Not only is he quick and hard to bring down, but he can beat opposing defenses running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield. Sproles has 48 touches through six games so far this year — 32 on the ground and 16 through the air — and he’s currently averaging 35 rushing yards a game and 33 receiving yards. The numbers may not be staggering, but the threat he presents is something that opposing defenses have to account for, and it creates a particularly interesting matchup with Arizona’s defense.

No team in football has been better against the run this year than the Cardinals as they’ve given up just 72.5 yards per game. Their pass defense, meanwhile, is second worst in the league in terms of yards per game (285.) That being said, Philadelphia’s receivers should be able to take advantage, but will that be enough? A good pass game hasn’t been enough for most of the teams that have faced the Cardinals so far this year, who currently sit at atop the NFC West with a 5-1 record.

The Eagles will need to find a way to run the ball against this Cardinals defense, and Sproles could be the key. The Eagles have been able to utilize their offensive weapons in a balanced way so far this season, and a game plan that utilizes Sproles — whether he gets the ball a lot or not — will be something the Cardinals have to adjust to and try to prevent.

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