Eagles ‘Discount Duo’ Signings at RB Deserves Respect

Will the duo of Rashaad Penny and D'Andre Swift prove the Philadelphia Eagles right for believing that two running backs can replace one Pro Bowler in Miles Sanders?

Despite losing Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, the reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles may have a better-rushing attack next season.

“Call it the discount duo. Instead of paying Miles Sanders to return as their starting ball-carrier, the reigning NFC champions took Swift off the Lions' hands and inked Penny to a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency,” CBS Sports wrote. “Neither veteran has been especially healthy throughout his career, but both have flashed elite breakaway ability. In tandem, alongside Jalen Hurts and returning backs Boston Scott and Kenny Gainwell, they have a real path to efficient, explosive production in Philadelphia.”

Up to this point in their careers, Penny and Swift have proven themselves as explosive play threats but have been unable to remain healthy when given lead-back duties.

Penny has averaged 383.6 rushing yards per season, and Swift has averaged 560 yards rushing. However, 42 percent of Swift's production has come in the receiving game. Penny’s impressive career average of 5.7 yards per carry suggests that together the two could make a formidable pair for the Eagles.

The modern NFL has primarily shifted towards running back committees regardless of the talent displayed by each rusher, unlike the old days when the Dallas Cowboys would feed the ball to Emmitt Smith for over 360 rushes with regularity.

If Penny and Swift can finally remain healthy for an entire season, Philly could see themselves go from Super Bowl contenders to Super Bowl Champions and quickly forget that they ever lost Sanders in free agency.

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