On Monday, running back Jaquan Hardy worked out for the Philadelphia Eagles. Known as a “bowling ball,” Hardy played college ball at Tiffin University but his NFL journey has been less than noteworthy. As a Dallas Cowboy in 2021, Hardy rushed for 29 yards and 1 touchdown, mostly against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles declined to offer him a contract, but could still use help in the running back room. It could be the underwhelming stats Hardy brought to the table or the Dallas Cowboy stench, but it’s time to explore further options. Let’s talk about why signing a familiar face like Jordan Howard would benefit the Eagles, giving them even more ammunition for the 2022 season.
Depth helped the Eagles win in 2017
I am not implying this Eagles team is the 2017 version. I am stressing how important it is to have a group of solid Eagles running backs and not depend on just one to carry the load. Running backs have short shelf lives and the more versatile the rotation, the more the other ones are preserved. It’s also a great strategy if (knocks on wood) the Eagles lose one or more to injury.
In 2017 the Eagles had a top 5 rushing attack with primarily four running backs: LeGarrette Blount, Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, and Darren Sproles who Wendell Smallwood later replaced on the depth chart due to injury.
All four running backs brought different elements to the game, and when combined, they were an elite group. They potentially draw parallels to this 2022 group of Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott, and potentially Jordan Howard. Nick Sirianni had this unit as a top rushing team in 2021, so why can’t it be done again in 2022?
Jordan Howard makes the Eagles’ depth at running back that more dangerous. We’re also forgetting the most important thing, that a better running back room takes even more pressure off quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Why should the Eagles sign Jordan Howard?
With pro-bowler Miles Sanders and a promising young stud in Kenneth Gainwell, the Eagles running back room has a ton of talent. There’s no such thing as TOO much talent, especially when each player offers something different. Sanders can break away from the line at any moment, line up, and catch passes.
Gainwell has the sure hands, typical proportions for a typical running back, and is a true downhill runner. Boston Scott’s explosiveness is an asset, especially at the goal line. Despite being claimed on waivers, Jason Huntley’s time in Philadelphia has been forgettable so far. He could be the odd man out in this scenario.
Jordan Howard offers that bulldozer ability that could easily make the #4 spot on the running back depth chart.
- He’s familiar with this running back room and has already played in Nick Sirianni’s offense.
- Even in a limited 7 games in 2021, Jordan Howard rushed for 406 yards, three touchdowns, and averaged a pretty solid 4.7 yards per carry.
- Jordan averages over 4 yards per carry in all three of his Eagles seasons.
- That’s more than your typical 4th running back will give you.
It’s also clear that Nick Sirianni likes to lean on multiple running backs, as we saw him dig into the rotation throughout the 2021 season.
Sirianni also hinted back in March that the Eagles would continue to be a run-based offense in 2022. A Jordan Howard contract is unlikely to cost more than a couple million if even that, so it would be a low-risk, high-reward signing. Get it done, Howie!
Would you like to see Jordan Howard back in Eagles green? Why or why not?
