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The state of the Eagles RBs after acquiring Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi

31 October 2017 Eagles News


The Eagles pulled off a shocking move this morning when they acquired pro bowl running back Jay Ajayi from the Miami Dolphins for a fourth-round pick.

With this move, the Eagles now have two of the top ten leading rushers from last season. LeGarrette Blount and Ajayi both rushed for over 1,200 yards last season. As they do have a similar running style, both running backs bring their own different flair to the team.

Ajayi is expected to take the bulk of the work going forward. He is a hard, physical runner with the capability of being a three-down, bell-cow back. He is a big running back, who is just as fast as any other running back. With the Eagles, he is going to really thrive in their system.

As for Blount, he is staying in Philadelphia, but he will see a smaller role.

With Blount still in the mix, expect the Eagles to use him in the role he was destined to have, a short yardage/goal-line role. The one, two punch Ajayi and Blount give the Eagles are unmatched by any team in the NFL. This combo is weatherproof and powerful. Late in games, teams are going to struggle to stop these two.

As for the other three running backs on the roster (Wendell Smallwood, Corey Clement, and Kenjon Barner) expect them to lose almost all their running responsibilities. There are some scenarios where Clement and Smallwood could work in for the Eagles, but for Barner, it is hard to imagine he will run again. If anything, Barner will resume his special teams’ responsibilities along with Clement.

This move immediately improves an Eagles backfield which has been outrushed by quarterback Carson Wentz on a few occasions this season. Ajayi is a young and hungry running back who can carry the Eagles through games. Behind him is one of the most powerful running backs in Blount. It does not stop there either, the Eagles have two very young and talented running backs ready to roll as well.

Adding Ajayi gives the Eagles one of the best and one of the more unique running back situations in the NFL. This is a power move by the Eagles, solidifying their stake for a deep playoff run.

 

Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

 


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