Eagles vs. Redskins snap count analysis: Figuring out the rotations

Here’s a breakdown of the snap counts from the Philadelphia Eagles' 30-17 victory over the Washington Redskins.

The following players were ruled inactive prior to the game: Donnel Pumphrey, Rasul Douglas, Shelton Gibson, Elijah Qualls, Steven Means, Dexter McDougle, Chance Warmack.

The following player(s) were active but did not play: Nick Foles.

OFFENSE

Notes:

Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery played the most out of the all the skill players.

The running back rotation is shaping up. Sproles is still playing the most of anyone at his position. Blount is second with Smallwood behind him. When it came to carries, Blount led the team with 14. Smallwood had four and Sproles only had two. Corey Clement only played on special teams. Pumphrey was inactive and likely will be all season.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai saw snaps at left tackle when Jason Peters went out. The Eagles also used him as a sixth offensive lineman in certain situations.

Nelson Agholor was the Eagles’ most productive receiver despite playing the fewest snaps out of the three starters.

Torrey Smith missed a few snaps on Sunday. He reportedly went to the locker room before shortly coming back out. That’s why Marcus Johnson and Mack Hollins got some playing time.

Brent Celek played about 39% of the team’s offensive snaps last year. Seems like he’s on pace for a similar role again this season.

Trey Burton played 29% of the Eagles’ offensive snaps last year. He only played 21% on Sunday, so it looks like his role isn’t expanding.

DEFENSE

Notes:

Patrick Robinson wouldn’t have played as many snaps if Ronald Darby didn’t get hurt. He stepped up nicely in the starting corner’s absence.

The linebacker situation is similar to last year. Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham are the main two guys. Mychal Kendricks only played 37% of the snaps. He played 27% last year, so maybe the Eagles plan to give him a slight increase?

The Eagles have a heavy defensive line rotation. Brandon Graham played 75% of the snaps last season. Philly might prefer to bring that number down a little in order to keep him fresh. The presence of Derek Barnett and Chris Long should allow them to do that. Same story for Fletcher Cox, who played 76% in 2016.

Corey Graham played at safety when the Eagles moved Malcolm Jenkins into the slot. Jaylen Watkins also got some extra playing time due to the Darby injury.

Curry wasn’t super productive in the 59% of the defensive snaps he played. He only had one tackle and it was assisted. He did get two hits on Kirk Cousins, though, so at least that’s something.

Curry has the fourth biggest cap number on the roster. 19 players (nine defenders) played more snaps than him on Sunday. Kendricks’ cap number ranks ninth. 25 players (13 defenders) played more snaps than him. Just not good value.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Notes:

No real surprises here.

Five players each logged one special teams tackle: Clement, Hollins, Rodney McLeod, Najee Goode, Kamu Grugier-Hill.