Even without the presence of DeSean Jackson, the Philadelphia Eagles' have a high-flying offense that could really take off in 2014. Nick Foles will enter the season as the guaranteed starter. Riley Cooper and Jeremy MAclin will take over the wide receiver position. And after a big move in the offseason, LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles will take care of the ground game. McCoy is coming off a big season, but could Sproles take over the starting spot?
Sproles is viewed as one of the more versatile running backs in the NFL. He exceled in his time with the New Orleans Saints, running from behind Drew Brees while also catching his share of passes. Last season, Sproles had 220 yards rushing and another 604 yards receiving. That versatility has many believing Sproles could be the answer to the Eagles' offense without Jackson, but what about McCoy who is coming off some impressive numbers himself?
Last season, McCoy touched the ball 366 times. He rushed for 1,607 yards while having another 539 yards receiving. That is a lot of work for one running back. With the addition of Sproles, McCoy is excited at the competition as starter, but more importantly he is excited for some help.
"Signing Sproles helps me out as a running back," McCoy said, via FOXSports.com. "I can go in a game even more fresh because I'm getting less carries and less attempts. I had 366 touches, which is a lot. I think me having less attempts can help me be more productive and more deadly. Being fresh in the fourth quarter, things that you don't think matter really do make a big difference. Now defenses have another guy that they have to prepare for. They have to watch out for so many different things, and it's hard. They only get a week to prepare for us."
When it was announced that Jackson had been released, head coach Chip Kelly was quick to say that no one player would be replacing the wide receiver's production. Sproles was the not the designated player to fill the Jackson void and neither was Maclin or Cooper. However, having the versatile running back certainly eases the pain in the eyes of fans. McCoy and Sproles are very different types of running back making the named starter irrelevant. Both will get their rightful share of touches.
Now, the Eagles will likely draft a rookie to round out their offense for the coming 2014 season. Poised to take one in the first round, Kelly prefers speedsters like Marqise Lee or Odell Beckham Jr as top options.
