Lost 47 of 61 snaps to Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner
No big deal, Chip Kelly said. Watching the game it sure felt like a big deal. Struggling DeMarco Murray, last year’s NFL rushing leader, clearly appeared to be demoted Sunday, his workload reduced to just eight carries in the Eagles’ upset win over the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Murray played only 14 of 61 snaps Sunday after averaging 36 snaps before Sunday. His previous low this season was 25 vs. the Redskins. With Murray benched most of the game, the Eagles used Darren Sproles and Kenjon Barner to carry the fooball. (CSN Philly)
Nerdy Football Analysis: Kelly explained the carry split by saying he believed that the smaller, faster Barner and Sproles would be better matchups for the Eagles against the Patriots’ larger linebackers. He also said on Monday that he plans on evaluating his running back rotation on a “week-to-week basis” going forward. It’s looking more and more as if Kelly might be willing to feature Ryan Mathews, who has missed the last three games, down the stretch if can be cleared of his concussion soon.
