Eagles’ Chris Polk to have a breakout year?

Philadelphia Eagles running back Chris Polk made history last year. He scored three touchdowns on 11 carries. That’s how you find the end zone. The Eagles likely don’t want him to replicate that sort of record. They’d prefer he get a few more carries, especially now that previous backup Bryce Brown is now on the Bills.

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Polk was a rookie free agent out of Washington in 2012, where he ranks second on the Huskies’ career rushing list (4,049 yards) and broke a school record by having 21, 100-yard rushing games. He’s a downhill power rusher with a surprisingly shifty center of gravity. With the shiftiest back on the roster in Darren Sproles, Polk can’t compete for the third-down receiving role. But he can certainly carve out a niche — it just needs to be different than Sproles’. Considering how expansive Chip Kelly’s offense can be, that should be a problem.

CSN Philly Insider Geoff Brown writes:

"With Brown out of the picture, Polk can inherit the four to six carries per game that Brown shouldered last season as McCoy’s backup. Polk isn’t as explosive as Brown, but he’s a more decisive runner and has better hands, which makes him a nice fit for Chip Kelly’s offense."

Fantasy owners, be on the lookout. Chris Polk could be the next in line if LeSean McCoy goes down. At some point in the season, Polk may have to take control of the backfield for first and second down. And if history is any indicator, he’ll get plenty of work.