Philadelphia Eagles to use Darren Sproles as running back first

By Brian Miller | Jun 17, 2014

Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles (43) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Saints defeated the Eagles 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

When it comes to former New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles, his pass catching ability was the key to his success. Both on the field and for fantasy football players who had the foresight to draft him in points per catch (PPR) leagues.

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Howerver, it appears that Sproles may no longer get the same opportunities he did in New Orleans.

According to a report by Philly.com the Eagles are going to line him up as a unning back first.

Yeah right.

The truth is that head coach Chip Kelly can say what ever he wants or, in this case, offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.

The reality is that there is no way the Eagles are going to relegate Sproles to the backfield and take carries away from workhorse runner LeSean McCoy. Sproles may line up in the backfield from time to time but he will likely serve as a diversion.

Sproles is 31 years old and has been in the league for 10 years. He has made a name for himself as the “little runner that does”. Philadelphia will likely use Sproles in the slot or might even run him outside where he can use his quickness and speed to drive off corners.

The Eagles offense is a wide open attack and Sproles fits nicely in that system.

Even if the coaches want others to believe that Sproles is going to line up as a runner first. Runner maybe but that doesn’t mean they will simply hand him the ball.

The Eagles are primed to make a run at a division that has been chaotic over the last few years. The Giants have slid down the division, the Redskins are still battling public opinion, and the Cowboys can’t seem to get out of their own way.

Chip Kelly could be a hero in Philadelphia but not if he relegates Darren Sproles to running the ball. No worries, he won’t.