Darren Sproles: A name that the Eagles have already considered in free agency
by JimmyK on Mar 8, 2011 9:00 AM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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PrintWith talk that Clinton Portis could be a good fit with the Eagles and the revelation that Brian Westbrook speaks with Andy Reid every week and would like to return to Philly, it should probably also be noted that the Eagles had at least some level of interest in another running back last offseason: Darren Sproles.
Around this time last year, it was thought that Sproles was going to make it to free agency, and he had even scheduled visits with four teams - the Chiefs, Rams, naturally the Redskins, and you got it... the Eagles. Then the Chargers unexpectedly slapped a first and third round tender on him, keeping him in San Diego. At the time, the Eagles were only about a week or two removed from releasing Brian Westbrook, who was scheduled to make $7.5 million for the 2010 season, and were very much in the market for a backup running back to LeSean McCoy. They would eventually settle on Mike Bell, with very disappointing results.
While the Eagles lucked out by shipping Bell to Cleveland mid-season for Jerome Harrison in a RB-for-RB swap, the general consensus is that Harrison is likely to leave via free agency once the new CBA is done. It should be noted that Harrison was tendered by the Eagles with a 2nd round restricted free agent tag, but with 6 years of NFL service, the NFLPA would have to agree to a horrible new CBA for 6th year players not to be able to become free agents.
Sproles would potentially fill 2 roles with the Eagles: kick returner (a major weakness in 2010), and a 2nd RB that could also make some noise in the base offense getting between 8-12 touches per game. His strength is in the passing game - He was 5th in the NFL among running backs for both catches and receiving yards, and would be yet another weapon in the Eagles offense that would be a threat to score any time he touched the football.
| Sproles | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rush | Yards | Avg | Long | TD | Rec | Yards | Avg | Long | TD |
| 8 | 50 | 6.3 | 21 | 0 | 3 | 10 | 3.3 | 6 | 0 |
| 37 | 164 | 4.4 | 34 | 2 | 10 | 31 | 3.1 | 14 | 0 |
| 61 | 330 | 5.4 | 37 | 1 | 29 | 342 | 11.8 | 66 | 5 |
| 93 | 343 | 3.7 | 21 | 3 | 45 | 497 | 11 | 81 | 4 |
| 50 | 267 | 5.3 | 34 | 0 | 59 | 520 | 8.8 | 57 | 2 |
| PR | Yards | Avg | Long | TD | KR | Yards | Avg | Long | TD |
| 18 | 108 | 6 | 23 | 0 | 63 | 1528 | 24.3 | 58 | 0 |
| 24 | 229 | 9.5 | 45 | 1 | 37 | 1008 | 27.2 | 89 | 1 |
| 22 | 249 | 11.3 | 43 | 0 | 53 | 1376 | 26 | 103 | 1 |
| 26 | 183 | 7 | 77 | 1 | 54 | 1300 | 24.1 | 66 | 0 |
| 24 | 166 | 6.9 | 16 | 0 | 51 | 1257 | 24.3 | 45 | 0 |
Sproles highlights after the jump...
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As much as I love Westy, I would take Sproles over him. More valuable due to his returning ability.
by Route36 on Mar 8, 2011 9:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Same
I was gonna say that my heart is with Westy, but my brain just wont allow it.
"They give it to Smith AND THEY STOP HIM AGAIN! THEY STOP HIM AGAIN!"
by HeStillHateMe on Mar 8, 2011 5:28 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Calling him a stiff may be considered a kind understatement.
by 92-74-99-96 on Mar 8, 2011 10:48 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Ha
He’s a limp!
"They give it to Smith AND THEY STOP HIM AGAIN! THEY STOP HIM AGAIN!"
by HeStillHateMe on Mar 8, 2011 5:29 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I would prefer to have Sproles as a backup. I just think he might be a little expensive for a number 2 running back.
http://www.eaglesfan4life.com "News delivered from a Philadelphia Eagles fan. If you don't like it, screw you."
by phillyeaglesfan4life on Mar 8, 2011 9:24 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I went with Harrison because with what we saw last year he seemed like the perfect backup to Shady. Sproles will want a lot of money he might be able to play more because he can catch the ball but he made like $7mil last year I believe because of the franchise tag and I don’t want to pay that to my backup RB.
no thanks
he is going to want too much money fr a guy that might get 5 touches a game
Let's get it Birds.
my thoughts exactly. money vs effectiveness i would put it elsewhere before picking him up.
PHI "We Know Drama"
by DaaaBirdsDaBirds on Mar 8, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but what will the market be for him? He’s not going to get feature back money. He’s only going to be a compliment type back somehwere.
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yeah but we don't use our 2nd running backs like complimentary backs
you use them for like 5 plays a game, where on another team he might be the exclusive 3rd down back or split more of the carries on another team. I mean we have seen how much we use our back up running backs and other than in blowouts its almost not at all.
Let's get it Birds.
But he plays
two positions. Fill the #2 RB need and KR need. I voted for Sproles hands down. If we get Sproles that would be 5 guys on our offense that could be a home run threat. Vick, McCoy, Desean, Maclin and Sproles. That is SOOO much speed on offense/ST. So, while he may only touch the ball 5 times, the threat of having him with the other burners will just open the field that much more. Yes PLEASE!
by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Mar 8, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
i agree
i dont think mccoy gets enough touches as it is in most games. not sure how a #2 back in this system is going to get 10 touches a game.
my first choice would be to resign harrison if we can. i thought he did well with his limited chances last season. but i think harrison is going to want to start somewhere as well as wants the money that goes with it.
we could either draft a back in the later rounds for the #2 spot or resign BW with a team friendly salary and give him 5 or so touches a game or so. he is still a great at the screen game, pass protection, and getting lined up on a LB catching out of the backfield.
I think...
I think we need a power back to compliment Shady. I know Brandon Jacobs is available, but I think he wants to be a starter, but if he were to be able to accept a back-up role, I think he would be great!
Since you playing ball let me show you how I put my "D" down........ Rebound!!! Your man dropped the ball and I caught it, Im trying to Lay-up in ur body, ya Im ballin!!!
I don't think
we need some strong guy to say nice things about McCoy…
Nor do I think that the model of a complementary power back works for us. How many times have we tried? Power backs need to achieve some critical mass before they become effective, and they are not going to reach that point in Philly.
I think Sproles could fit, or a slashing, one-cut runner like Buck (or Harrison) could fit, but I just don’t think the power back will work for us.
The problem in my opinion is the power backs they always bring in are jobbers. When Westy was in his prime, the Eagles had a chance to sign LaMont Jordan. He was a quality power back that IMO, would have put the eagles running game over the top at the time. Two yrs ago, could have had Cedric Benson for a practice tee. This upcoming yr, he will command too much money. This past season, the chance to sign Thomas Jones, LeRon McClain or “give a 2nd chance” to Lendale White. These guys may not have had success here, but I do believe they would have given the Eagles a better chance to win then the power backs they ended up bringing in. If these guys just wanted more money, then nothing you can do. But if they would have taken much less to win here, then why not?
Mike Bell was washed up since he left Denver. He had success in last yr in NO because he shared the ball w/Reggie Bush & Pierre Thomas. He had a defined role that played to his strengths. In Philly, he did not and was also not put in a good position to succeed.
did anyone else see sproles kill ou's perfect season in college
he’s small little guy, but he’s a lot like djax in he only needs a few touches to make a play. Obviously desean’s in another league but sproles is a legit threat out of the backfield via screen or the flat
by Get Jackson a better nickname on Mar 8, 2011 11:15 AM EST reply actions
Sproles would be good but...
I think he is going to very expensive for a back-up. And I would prefer a bigger back too, maybe Jacobs or a rookie power back. Harrison was great as a back up. Portis is kinda like a car with a shot tranny and bald tires: it runs but for how long?
by Saidrick on Mar 8, 2011 11:34 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Willis McGahee FTW
I vote for Willis McGahee! He would be a better fit as our power back and a perfect 1-2 punch of speed and power. He has been in a reserved roll for 2 years now and is expected to be released from the Ravens.
Our return game has been absolute garbage
for years. This makes it a strength. He can get 4 carries and 3-4 receptions/game on top of just returning. This would be a great pick up.
we're not gonna pay a guy big money
to come in to improve our return game. I personally don’t think he’s worth even signing. We already have a good screen player in McCoy, Sproles is not gonna pass block better than him, and we could get the same thing for cheaper out of Westbrook. With better pass protection. If we do sign a situational player i would hope it would be Willis McGahee because we need serious help on our short yardage situations, especially in the goal line and redzone.
2-3 years ago I'd be saying hell yeah let's get him.
Now I don’t wanna even waste the jet fuel to get him to Philly.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
my thoughts exactly
He’s not the same explosive player he was when he was running behind LT.
Well that and he wasn't that effective as a returner last year
24 punt returns for 166 yards, 0 TD’s. 51 Kickoff returns for 1257 yards and 0 TD’s, That’s an average of 24.6 yards per return.
The Eagles as a team had:
38 Punt returns for an average of 10.6 yards a return and 1 TD.
62 Kick returns for 1272 yards, an average of 20.5 yards a return and 0 TD’s.
Honestly we’re alright without him returning kicks, he brings us 3 yards more a return if his average remains true.
I’m honestly thinking Calvin’s gonna light shit up next season. Just a feeling though.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
You do realize the difference of 20.5 per kick return and 24 yards a return is the difference of being in the bottom 5 and top 10 of the NFL in kick returns, right?
2010:
-Chargers/Seahawks ranked 10th at 24 yards per kick return.
-Eagles ranked 25th at 20.5 yards per kick return.
2009:
-Steelers ranked 9th at 24 yards per kick return.
-Eagles/Titans ranked 29th at 20.5 yards per kick return.
2008:
-Chargers ranked 9th at 24 yards per kick return.
-Steelers ranked 29th at 20.3 yards per kick return.
2007:
-Giants ranked 7th at 23.9 yards per kick return.
-Bills ranked 28th at 20.7 yards per kick return.
RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
Cam Newton: future QB bust
i voted for westbrook.
he would come cheap, he knows the playbook, and most importantly (barring injury) he’s a great pass blocker/safety valve.
"it's like i tell my ex-wife, i never drive faster than i can see, and besides it's all in the reflexes." -Jack Burton, Big trouble in little China
lmao @ pic caption
I wouldn’t mind picking up Sproles, at the right price. He can return kick and be an efficient #2 back. The only problem I see is that Sproles is going to expect a big pay day after having a franchise tag of $6 million in ’09 and a tender contract last year of $7 million.
Is he going to come here to have limited touches and make less than half of what he was making in San Diego? Eh…
RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
Cam Newton: future QB bust
I would like Westbrook, one of the best blocking RB’s around even now and he showed last year that he still get yards when he is asked to. He wont be as expensive as Sproles and could actually come in on 3rd downs and block which i don’t think Sproles could to the same standard.
I think Jerome Harrison is looking for a starting job and Sproles will go to a team where they need a 2nd RB rather than a team where it’s more of a luxury and he comes in when the games either a blowout or McCoy gets injured.
Also it would be cool to get Westbrook back and have him finish his career in Philadelphia.
Sproles...
Every single one of those options has their pros and cons….his biggest asset to us his KR ability, that’s why he gets my vote..i don’t care if he’s lost a step or isn’t as explosive; no one should have voted for Westy then. DS only needs to catch a couple screens and return kicks for us to make a big impact. I would take any of the options, just hate the Eagles inability to find a return man.
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
I posted this above
24 punt returns for 166 yards, 0 TD’s. 51 Kickoff returns for 1257 yards and 0 TD’s, That’s an average of 24.6 yards per return.
The Eagles as a team had:
38 Punt returns for an average of 10.6 yards a return and 1 TD.
62 Kick returns for 1272 yards, an average of 20.5 yards a return and 0 TD’s.
Honestly we’re alright without him returning kicks, he brings us 3 yards more a return if his average remains true.
I’m honestly thinking Calvin’s gonna light shit up next season. Just a feeling though
As a team they put up the same numbers pretty much for a lot less money.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
I don’t know the future, but I feel very confident that Calvin won’t make the final roster next year.
Eh, even if he doesn't
I don’t think that Sproles is the answer.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
i know the numbers don't look good
He would instill a confidence in our KR man that we havn’t had in a while, IMO; that and he’s filling two roles w/ one spot, none of those other options do that…Also, wasn’t the Chargers special teams the WORST part of their football team last year?
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
by greenbean#twoOH on Mar 8, 2011 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
I honestly want to see
what Harrison can do as a KR, they never needed him to do it in Cleveland b/c they have Cribbs.. With his shiftyness, speed, and vision I think he could be good at it.
that and he’s filling two roles w/ one spot, none of those other options do that…
Umm all of our players did, except Calvin and Lawson.. And Lawson doesn’t really count.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Ummmmmmmmmmm
were they an option on that list? Are we looking to sign them as a backup RB…
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
by greenbean#twoOH on Mar 8, 2011 9:21 PM EST up reply actions
No.. I'm saying you said no player who was our KR
filled two roles with one spot.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
c'mon really?
he’s filling two roles w/ one spot, none of those other options do that… as in none of the other options on the list we chose from….i never said anything about our other kick returners…
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
by greenbean#twoOH on Mar 8, 2011 9:33 PM EST up reply actions
pure miscommunication
forget it….
"Eagles fans are a passionate group who love their team," said McNabb, "if not the actual players. It's not like winning a Super Bowl before the first month of the season is the hardest thing they've ever asked of me. That'd be all those times they asked me to go kill myself."
by greenbean#twoOH on Mar 8, 2011 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
LOL, yeah I guess it was a miscommunication
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Actually, it would be 4
and you ignored the stats someone else posted lol
Get Sproles and nobody else.
Corvin, Hobbs, Demps were all horrible at returning KOs….we need a threat on the KO team and we could use him on passing downs as well. We dont need another power back….we will have Weaver soon.
That's wrong.
Hobbs was doing well till he decided to take his L5 for a visit to his anus.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Demps was actually really good.
Merry Vickmas everyone! * Falls into pile of snow DeSean style *
"It's simple, ... I'm always striving to do more. Whatever I accomplish, it's not enough. I don't get satisfied. That's not my nature." -Brian Dawkins
"Well as long as you want to get it right it's Princess Buttercup... Jackass." -Udalango
for like a year then he got all
“I’m the next big shit after Dawkins” and then he get all “Oh shit I don’t got a job :(”
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
+1
I was really high on Demps after BDawk left
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
"Or if the rest of the defense if even decent then
our two Rookie safety’s don’t have to go all Ed Reed-Palamolu-Dawkins-super sayan badass mode to help us win." - W_E
Sending pics of your junk > dog killing > generally being a douche > sexual assault allegations > being on the Cowboys.
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