The Philadelphia Eagles offense has certainly come under fire this season. The team is fresh off a loss to the Carolina Panthers and is looking for a bounce-back game facing the Dallas Cowboys. With Sam Bradford struggling, his role players are trying to make up for things. Zach Ertz is looking to be more of a focal point while Ryan Mathews is making it clear he will be happy with whatever role he is getting come Week 9.
There are plenty of people who believe Mathews should be getting more carries over DeMarco Murray. The 63-yard touchdown the running back ripped off against the Panthers was certainly an indicator that maybe he should be getting the start. However, Mathews is making it clear that he is happy with the rotation with Murray as he plans to do whatever he can with what he is given. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur also defended the rotation between the two running backs.
"I think each game is different," Shurmur said, via ESPN.com. "I think they each need to play. I think they both can be efficient and dynamic. We've just got to try to get them both in there -- I don't know if it (should be) equal, but they both need to play."
Statistically, the numbers favor Mathews. The running back has 56 carries for 342 yards in seven games. Murray has 88 carries for 307 yards in six games. Those numbers could be even bigger for both backs, but head coach Chip Kelly has called pass plays in 60.2 percent of the offense. That has not been getting the job done with Bradford struggling to get the throws. Both Ertz and Nelson Agholor hope to change that.
"The last three games, I think we've taken a step," Ertz said, via ESPN.com. "I want to be a focal in this offense. I worked so hard in the offseason to be a focal point of this offense, someone the coaches can trust to put at the forefront of this offense. I know we have a lot of weapons, with the running backs and tight ends and wide receivers."
Now healthy, Agholor is looking to turn a corner after the bye week. He and his fellow receivers must begin to improve. Jordan Matthews noted that dropped balls are becoming an issue and the whole unit needs to begin to improve. If the Eagles can eliminate the mistakes and get the run game going, they put themselves in a better position as they control their own destiny.
