Eagles vs. Chiefs snap count analysis: Philadelphia makes changes to the running back rotation

Here’s a breakdown of the snap counts from the Philadelphia Eagles' 27-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

OFFENSE

The running back rotation is obviously a big story coming out of this game.

After playing 23 snaps in Week 1, Blount only played six in this game. He didn’t receive a single carry and only had one reception. A decrease for Blount meant more playing time for Darren Sproles. The Eagles’ 34-year-old running back played 17 more snaps in Week 2 than he did against Washington.

Wendell Smallwood’s role didn’t change much. He played 15 snaps in Week 1 and then 14 in Week 2. Corey Clement played his first career offensive snap but didn’t log a carry or a catch. That should probably change, although it likely won’t fix much.

I already gave a lot of thoughts on the Eagles running back situation yesterday evening but I can’t help but address the issue again. I just don’t see how people think running the ball more often with these group of running backs is the answer. It’s just not the solution. You can say the run game was working, but was it? The Eagles gained 34 yards on 11 carries after Sproles’ first two carries of the game. The Chiefs adjusted and the run just wasn’t effective. In addition, how many more carries did you realistically want the Eagles to give to Sproles? I’m all for using him as much as possible, but it’s just not realistic to expect him to be a 20-carry per game guy. For his career, Sproles averages FOUR (4) rush attempts per game. FOUR! When you’re counting on a 34-year-old part-time player to be your lead rushing back, things have gone wrong. This is a complete and utter failure by Howie Roseman and Philadelphia’s personnel department.

Nelson Agholor had a pretty quiet game (one reception for nine yards and a touchdown near the end of the fourth quarter) despite playing 55 snaps.

Mack Hollins played a career-high 17 snaps after only logging five snaps in Week 1. There’s no reason not to get him on the field more. He’s been productive when his number has been called.

Brent Celek’s playing time decreased from 37% in Week 1 to 24% in Week 2.

The Eagles used Halapoulivaait Vaitai as a sixth offensive lineman (tackle eligible) on three snaps.

DEFENSE

Corey Graham had to fill in when Rodney McLeod when down with a hamstring injury. Thankfully it sounds like it might not be too serious. Graham’s big whiff on Kareem Hunt’s touchdown run was costly.

Rasul Douglas also had to play a lot after being a healthy scratch in Week 1. Douglas filled in for Jaylen Watkins and seemed to play pretty well. Kudos to the rookie.

Mychal Kendricks played about the same percentage of snaps as he did in Week 1. He was pretty productive in limited playing time: four tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one pass breakup, and one quarterback hit.

After being inactive against Washington, Elijah Qualls played nine snaps in Week 2 due to Destiny Vaeao being out.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Dexter McDougle was active for the first time in his Eagles career. He didn’t play on defense but logged 11 special teams snaps.

DID NOT PLAY

The following players were ruled inactive prior to the game: Ronald Darby, Destiny Vaeao, Shelton Gibson, Marcus Johnson, Chance Warmack, Steven Means.

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