The Philadelphia Eagles are 8-2, but their offense has completely sputtered this season. Philly ranks 25th in total yards, 28th in passing, and 16th in scoring, but surprisingly, the struggles have extended to the run game as well.
A year after finishing with over 2,000 yards in the regular season, Saquon Barkley has just 662 yards this season and is averaging a paltry 3.8 yards per carry. The ground game has seen its production drop from averaging 179.3 yards per game (2nd in the NFL) to just 115.2 yards per game (17th in the league).
But the answer to Philadelphia’s ground problems (and perhaps their offensive problems as a whole) is already on the team. The recent performance of backup running back Tank Bigsby should warrant consideration for more carries as the Eagles look to get out of their recent slump.
Bigsby Can Provide Offensive Spark For Philadelphia
Tank Bigsby was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars after Week 1, as he was surpassed by Bhayshel Tuten on the depth chart for the second spot at the running back position.
Despite rushing for 766 yards last season for the Jaguars, Bisgby was asked to start over in Philadelphia, as he was traded by Jacksonville for 2026 fifth and sixth-round draft picks. He has made the most of the opportunity, impressing his teammates, including quarterback Jalen Hurts.
“He’s given the scout team fits. He is stepping in there, and he’s eager to take advantage of the opportunity. Never hesitant to ask a question to try to make sure we are good and on the same page. It’s been fun to watch him play when he gets those opportunities,” Hurts said on Wednesday during his media availability.
Despite not seeing the field in Philadelphia until the Eagles’ 28-22 road victory in Minnesota, Bigsby has burst onto the scene in the last four weeks. His biggest highlight was a 104-yard rushing performance in Philly’s 38-20 win over the Giants.
Bigsby recorded a 29-yard carry against New York, before breaking off a 17-yard rush against the Detroit Lions that set up Philadelphia’s only touchdown of the game in a game where the Eagles won 16-9.
This begs the question: can Bigsby be the spark to get the Birds’ offense rolling again? He only has 17 carries on the season, but has averaged 7.6 yards per carry with 168 total yards this season. When factoring out his opening performance against the Panthers (when Bisgby was still a Jaguar), that number goes up to an eye-opening 9.2 yards per carry in the last four games.
Bisgby Fits Eagles’ Selfless Culture, Run-Heavy Offense
In addition to being an offensive spark, Bisgby is a cultural and schematic fit in Philadelphia’s locker room. His tireless work ethic and selfless attitude are reminiscent of Saquon Barkley’s mentality, and his results could at least be somewhat similar if given the opportunity.
Bisby detailed his mindset when arriving in Philadelphia, saying, “Instead of going out for results, I go out for the guy next to me. That’s what this team is about and I’m just grateful, thankful to be a part of this organization because it’s a brotherhood first and results come second.”
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo also took note, saying on Tuesday, “Yeah, when he comes in, he brings a lot of energy. The energy and the juice that he brings is awesome. He runs extremely hard.” That is no small praise from the man who is putting together the offensive game plan.
In contrast to Barkley’s gravity on the ground opened up the passing attack last year, both the run game and pass game have stalled this year, which has made it easier for defenses to counter both at the same time.
However, if the Eagles can return to last year’s run-heavy identity, it can do wonders in opening up the entire offense. Bigsby discussed how his playstyle fits in with Philadelphia’s brand of football, saying, “That’s what this organization and culture has been about: downhill running. A guy that can make a guy miss and run at somebody. That’s this culture.”
Bigsby spoke about having Barkley as a mentor, saying that he wants to match Saquon’s work ethic and that learning from him is “a gift from God.” Upping Bigsby’s carries would also be a gift for the Eagles, who desperately need any kind of spark they can get on offense.
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