The Philadelphia Eagles desperately need to win their Week 3 contest at MetLife Stadium against the New York Jets. Apparently, running back/returner Darren Sproles is well aware. Trailing 3-0, the Jets punted deep to a waiting Sproles, who set sail on a terrific 89-yard punt return for a touchdown.
#Eagles Darren Sproles still has all the moves. 89-yard punt return TD! #PHIvsNYJ https://t.co/Gw96imfr8H
— XFINITY Sports (@XFINITYSports) September 27, 2015
Sproles is one of the best kick/punt returners in NFL history, and this is a perfect example of why. The diminutive 32-year-old has been shining in the role with the San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints and now the Eagles, amassing over 10,000 return yards in his career. Sproles has also been one of the best weapons on offense over the past decade, offering blinding speed out of the backfield and slot. Sproles has been able to provide his teams with production in the run, pass and kicking game, a rare combination of talent.
The Eagles need some kind of spark to break out of their slump. Philadelphia was picked by many to be one of the elite teams in the league this year, only to start 0-2 and look awful doing it. Sam Bradford has endured all sorts of struggles in the early going, consistently missing open receivers and checking down. Perhaps the Eagles need more big plays in the kicking game to keep the team afloat until the offense figures out a few details. If that’s the case, they have the perfect player in Sproles.