Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
With the additions of running backs DeMarco Murray and Ryan Matthews to go along with Darren Sproles, the Philadelphia Eagles have somewhat of a crowded backfield to say the least.
Going into the 2015 season, it is expected that Murray and Matthews will share the majority of the carries. However, with a playmaker like Sproles, head coach Chip Kelly will still try to find a way to utilize him.
Acquired in a trade with the New Orleans Saints last offseason, the utility back immediately made an impact. In the first two weeks Sproles accumulated 29% of his season total in rushing yards and 43% of his receiving yards. From that point on teams adjusted to the Eagles running back causing his production and snap count to decline as the year went on.
With star running backs like Murray and Mathews, Sproles could once again see his playing time decline. In order to see time on the field, he will need to prove that he can do more. The more he can do, the more an offensive mind like Kelly can find ways to get him the ball.
Sproles has done just that in OTAs and mini-camp as he has been taking some snaps out wide at receiver. Playing in a hybrid role like he did in New Orleans could be exactly what Sproles needs to see more snaps in Philadelphia.
Throughout his career, Sproles has been a consistent threat in the passing game. Even though he saw his snap count decline, he was still the 7th highest targeted running back in the passing game last season. He also ranked 5th among running backs in yards after catch per reception with 10.4. That number also lead all receivers.
Unlike at running back, the Eagles dont have a plethora of threats at the receiver position. Aside from Nelson Agholor and Jordan Matthews, the Eagles have questions at wide receiver.
Being able to take a proven playmaker like Sproles and split him out wide creates mismatches and opens things up for Murray and Mathews at running back. If Kelly and the Eagles can effectively figure out different packages for Sproles to be on the field at the same time as Murray or Mathews, they can be an even more dangerous offense in 2015.
Clearly Sproles is a legitimate receiving threat and that’s never been much of a secret. He’s a threat to score whenever the ball is in his hands and the Eagles can certainly use that kind of threat at receiver.
Even though the Eagles made significant changes at running back, that doesn’t mean Sproles’ role will necessarily decrease. Instead, the 32-year old could see himself in a bigger and more involved role, even if that means more catches and fewer carries.
