The Philadelphia Eagles have their leader back in Carson Wentz. The defense is playing lights out but the offense, well, it’s struggling. The blame can be attributed to injuries but it goes farther than that. The Eagles’ offense is built on the RPO (Run, Pass Option) but so far, it’s been heartbreaking to watch. While wide receivers are in street clothes, it’s the running game that needs help. It’s time Howie Roseman put in a call to the Oakland Raiders about Marshawn Lynch.
Even with Jay Ajayi playing the first two games of the season before sitting out against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, something wasn’t clicking from the start. The Eagles still managed 133 yards rushing against the Atlanta Falcons and another 91 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not awful numbers but for a team who branded their attack with two different styles of backs last season, this is a different approach.
Adding Marshawn Lynch would give the Eagles what they’ve missed since LeGarrette Blount left in free agency this summer. What made the tandem of Blount and Ajayi so dangerous during their Super Bowl run was their “Night and Day” approach. Blount was the power back who went straight into the teeth of the defense. Ajayi was the speedster who went around the edges. Now, the Eagles are missing that back who can gain the tough yards up the middle.
For the season, Lynch has rushed for 170 yards on 48 attempts with three touchdowns for the Raiders. Not eye-popping numbers, but at the age of 32 and on the brink of becoming a free agent in 2019, the Raiders may be willing to part with the veteran back. For whatever reason, it’s just not working in Oakland. The Jon Gruden experience has the Raiders sitting at 0-3 on the season with no clear indication when that first win will come. So why not let players jump ship? I mean, Gruden did let Khalil Mack leave and we see how well that has turned out for Mack.
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A new team and something to play for may be just what Lynch needs. His addition could breathe life in the Eagles’ ground game much like the addition of Ajayi did late last season. While Lynch is only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, the Eagles arguably have the best offensive line in the NFL. Putting him behind the likes of Lane Thomas, Jason Kelce, and Jason Peters should spark new life into Lynch.
Could Lynch Save The Philadelphia Eagles?
With Wentz back under center, the ground game must take the pressure off the former MVP candidate. If the line and running backs can get back to 4.8 yards per carry, that will shrink the field and not leave Wentz in second or third and long situations.
This may be a prime time for the Philadelphia Eagles to make a move on the Raiders. The team is reeling and losing Lynch may not come as a huge loss as some may think. The team still has Doug Martin who once led the league in rushing and young Jalen Richard backing him up. Gruden loves a veteran feel but the writing is on the wall for the Raiders. Gruden may be willing to let Lynch walk for peanuts. A fourth or fifth rounder is something the Eagles should be able to spare for a back who can change the dynamic of their team and gear them up for another Super Bowl run.
The Philadelphia Eagles are spearheaded by Ajayi, Corey Clement, and Darren Sproles. However, with their current injury situation in the backfield, they were forced to use Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood against the Colts and that just won’t cut it with repeating being the main goal. A move must be made by Roseman and it must be done soon before the return of Alshon Jeffery and Mike Wallace. It will take time for the offense to gel, but a potent rushing attack will make the transition much smoother.
