Pederson on Running Game: “It’s an Area we Need to Fix”

This offseason the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense brought in running back LeGarrette Blount to add a new power rushing identity to their pass-happy offense.

A year after rookie quarterback Carson Wentz chucked the ball over 600 times, the Eagles brought in the power running Blount, with the possibility of grinding out some tough yards and wearing down opposing defenses in close games.

After plowing ahead for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns last season with the Patriots, he seemed to add a new dimension to the Eagles rushing attack that was missing a season ago, but it doesn't seem that Doug Pederson is quite ready to put that new identity on display - Blount was held without a carry in the Week 2 loss against the Chiefs.

"It's just how the game went," Blount said after the game.

Through the Eagles were close all game and even had a fourth quarter lead, Pederson elected to throw the ball 46 times verse just 17 runs.

"It's an area we need to fix," Eagles head coach Doug Pederson admitted after the game.

Here’s how coach Pederson elected to utilize this running backs today:

— Darren Sproles appeared to be the lead back today, rushing 10 times for for 48 yards. He also added two catches for 30 yards.

— Even Wendell Smallwood out played Blount, carrying three times for just four yards.

— Quarterback Carson Wentz was actually the teams leading ground gainer, with four carries and 55 yards. Which actually means thew Eagles called 50 passes and Wentz ran on four of them, meaning they called just 13 run plays.

— Blount, who was the top ball carrier a week ago, got zero carries and caught one pass for zero yards and said after the game that he really wasn't sure what his current role is on the team.

"You got to ask Doug, I dont know how things are going to go next week." Blount admitted.