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Eagles vs. Colts snap count analysis: Philadelphia’s backup running backs combine for a big day

Playing time tracker.

NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Philadelphia Eagles Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s a breakdown of the snap counts from the Philadelphia Eagles’ 20-16 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3 of the 2018 NFL season.

OFFENSE

The Eagles are going to win a lot when Carson Wentz and the entire offensive line plays the entire game. Good to see Jason Peters making it through his first full game this season after he had to leave early in Week 1 and Week 2. Peters was a force out on the edge.

With the Eagles being so depleted at the skill positions, Zach Ertz and Nelson Agholor basically had to play the entire game.

Great to see Dallas Goedert much more involved here after he only logged 22% of the snaps in Week 2. The rookie tight end caught all seven of his targets for 73 yards and a touchdown. With the Eagles being so depleted at the skill positions, it’s a no brainer to throw his way.

Corey Clement took the most snaps of any Eagles running back. He had 19 combined touches (16 carries and three receptions) while Wendell Smallwood had 13 combined touches (10 carries and three receptions). These two guys combined for 112 rushing yards, 54 receiving yards, and one rushing touchdown.

Josh Adams only played eight snaps but he made the most of them by taking six carries for 30 yards. That’s a nice NFL debut for the undrafted rookie.

Kamar Aiken outsnapped Jordan Matthews but failed to register a target. I wouldn’t just assume it’ll be Aiken who goes to the bench if/when Alshon Jeffery comes back this week. It could be Jeffery and Aiken on the outside with Agholor in the slot. JMatt could still get some playing time but I don’t think Aiken is just going to the bench, although he probably should.

It’ll be much better when the Eagles offense is at a point when they don’t have to play Joshua Perkins for 38% of the snaps.

It’s really disappointing to see that Shelton Gibson can only get one measly snap while the Eagles are missing three of their top four wide receivers. Not to mention that Philadelphia’s offense needs a field-stretcher and Gibson has the speed to do that. We saw as much in the preseason. For whatever reason, the coaching staff just doesn’t trust him.

DEFENSE

Malcolm Jenkins, Jordan Hicks, and Ronald Darby played the entire game. Hicks continues to be the Eagles’ dime linebacker. He finished the day with a team-high eight tackles and two passes defensed.

Jalen Mills would’ve played the entire game if he didn’t have to come out for a little bit to get checked up on after breaking up a pass. Rasul Douglas briefly filled in for him.

Last year, the Eagles made an effort to conserve Fletcher Cox by limiting his playing time to some extent. Hasn’t been the case this year with the Eagles being thinner at defensive tackle.

Corey Graham had to play a lot more than usual with Rodney McLeod leaving the game early due to a knee injury. McLeod indicated he’s going to be OK but we’ll see.

Nigel Bradham had to leave the game at one point because he had the wind knocked out of him after colliding with Jenkins.

Brandon Graham received the fifth most snaps of any defensive lineman. He played the most snaps of any Eagles defensive end in 2017.

A reminder that the Eagles’ weakside linebacker spot isn’t incredibly important: Kamu Grugier-Hill played nine defensive snaps on Sunday.

The Eagles don’t really trust undrafted rookie free agent Bruce Hector to play much. The defensive tackle options behind Cox just aren’t very inspiring, which is why we see Michael Bennett get a lot of interior work.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Avonte Maddox is tied with Grugier-Hill for the Eagles’ lead in special teams tackle with two.

D.J. Alexander got flagged for running into the Colts’ punter. Thankfully it didn’t end up costing the Eagles a third down stop.

Nathan Gerry didn’t see a single defensive snap for the first time this season.

DID NOT PLAY

Inactive: Jay Ajayi, Darren Sproles, Alshon Jeffery, Nate Sudfeld, Chance Warmack, Jordan Mailata, Matt Pryor

Active but did not play: Nick Foles, Josh Sweat

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