The Philadelphia Eagles' rushing attack has come under fire as DeMarco Murray is not producing as much as many thought he would while Ryan Mathews continues to be held back. While the Eagles control their own destiny in the NFC East, the team needs to get the run game up in order to help bail out the struggles of Sam Bradford. That could be harder in Week 9 as Mathews deals with an injury.
There are plenty of people that believe Mathews should be starting over Murray, but that might not be happening in Week 9 as the running back continues to be limited in practice. According to CSNPhilly.com, Mathews is dealing with a groin injury that might keep him limited like it did against the Carolina Panthers. Mathews stressed to reporters that he plans on playing against the Dallas Cowboys and he is not concerned if it is merely in a backup role in the starting spot.
"I've always split carries, ever since I came into the league," Mathews said, via ESPN.com. "I was always in a running back rotation. It doesn't bother me. [Murray] has done a lot of great things in his career to get where he's at. I think I fit in good with this offense. The running game, the passing game -- I think I fit in."
With Mathews limited at best, Murray and Darren Sproles will have the pressure on them to improve. This is a big game for Murray as he meets up with his former team, but the running back told the media he is not focused on the opponent and more focused on improving himself. The Eagles will need the run game to work out as the passing game continues to remain inconsistent.
Rookie Nelson Agholor is one of those receivers struggling to consistently make plays for the team. After getting healthy in the bye week, the receiver said he is ready to have a breakout game and be a playmaker in the second half of the season. With Jordan Matthews struggling with drops and Zach Ertz not as involved as he wants to be, the door is open for Agholor.
"All I know is I need to capitalize on all my opportunities - no matter how many it is, I need to capitalize on every single one," Agholor said, via Philly.com. "You can't really be frustrated. You just need to be real with yourself. Any time I look at the film and I look at the opportunity here or there where I may have missed the ball or didn't create the separation I would have liked to, I just think, 'You've got to take advantage of it.' Because those might not come."
Bradford needs Agholor. Head coach Chip Kelly noted that he believes the injury was a setback for the rookie, but now he is getting back into the groove of the offense. With Josh Huff and Riley Cooper sporadic in their production, the opportunity is there for Agholor to grab.
