JUNE 30th 2019: I wrote an article saying that we needed to bring back RB Darren Sproles, mostly to be a Punt Returner. The question was: Did the Eagles see the same need that I saw? Well, after signing him on July 19th, part of a statement on the Eagles website reads: “His dynamic punt return skills are second to none. We can’t wait to get started next week.”
Nowhere in that article does the team mention his role in the Offense, but they get right down to talking about him as a PR man, don’t they!? If I were to venture a guess, I’d say that once the Eagles staffer who reads my articles took my idea upstairs, the brass hurt their necks nodding in agreement.
Really, the Eagles need to just hire me, so that I can suggest these moves much sooner, and behind closed doors.
Just so that we’re clear, it’s probably not wise to expect a huge offensive role for Sproles. He can still contribute there, but with so much young talent, why not let his load be to help develop them, and start him on his way as a member of our coaching staff? Sort of a player/coach, in the mold of former Cowboys RB Dan Reeves.
(Few words of advice to the Eagles: When we get to the playoffs, don’t try to add extra packages for Sproles, just to manufacture a few big moments for him. Do what got you there. “Dance with the girl who brung ya”. Don’t. Get. Cute. Let being on the field be good enough for him. )
Now that it’s happened, I can sigh a sigh of relief. This signing was massive. Without it we still narrowly win the division, but we likely crash on the rocks in the second round again. Just one more fun-to-watch, plucky team, that doesn’t win enough hidden yardage to squeak ahead in a playoff fist-fight. (Pssst! That’s the hidden reason why we beat Atlanta 15 – 10 in 2017.)
This time with a PR man, improved edge rushing, AND deep speed on the perimeter, we should smother opponents and advance to the NFC Championship Game, almost in a walk. Injuries could change this, but as of now, EXPECT the Eagles to at least play in this Super Bowl.
At least.
EAGLEMANIACAL.com 