Eagles' Kenny Gainwell Reveals RB Room's 'Motto'

Philadelphia Eagles third-year running back Kenny Gainwell believes pass protection might be the key to an increased role.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenny Gainwell expects a bigger role this season.

When most assess the Eagles’ cloudy backfield situation, the focus is on Rashaad Penny’s health, D’Andre Swift’s versatility, or perhaps coach Nick Sirianni’s somewhat out-of-the-blue infatuation with Trey Sermon.

Then you have Gainwell and fellow incumbent Boston Scott as the two most familiar faces in the mix for playing time.

To earn a role in that crowded backfield, Gainwell understands he has to improve on what has become a bit of a lost art in the modern NFL when it comes to running backs: pass protection.

You can trace the issue to the trickle-up nature of the football industry. Backs are given fewer and fewer responsibilities in pass pro at the college level and when they arrive in the NFL it is generally with little experience at the task.

However, pass protection remains more important in the NFL and that means coaches at the pro level are getting unfinished products who need on-the-job training.

The trait is especially important for backs who are regarded as good receivers, something that defines Gainwell and Swift when it comes to the Eagles’ RB room.

If you’re a plus-receiver that means playing on third downs and/or hurry-up situations when the need often arises to step up and meet a blitzing linebacker or defensive back.

When it came to pass blocking last season Gainwell was underwater, according to Pro Football Focus, at No. 39 in the NFL. Swift was one of the better pass-protection players while in Detroit at No. 4.

Needless to say, that gap needs to close if Gainwell hopes to keep his status as a high-leverage option for Sirianni’s offense.

When asked where he wants to improve the most after practice on Tuesday, the third-year pro didn’t hesitate.

"I probably say my blocking,” he said. “I want to be more firm, want to be more smooth. Knowing the points from [center Jason] Kelce, knowing everything I can do from Lane [Johnson on the right side] to Jordan [Mailata on the left]. Just want to be more smooth on pass protection.”

The Eagles did a one-on-one period with the running backs and the linebackers in pass protection on Tuesday and things didn’t exactly trend in a positive direction for Jemal Singleton’s group even with the added context of that drill being favorable to the defense.

Gainwell and his roommates have developed a solid plan, however, involving the five-time All-Pro Kelce, perhaps the savviest center in the NFL when it comes to figuring out and calling protections.

“Listen to Kelce,” Gainwell smiled. “We got a motto right now in our running back room. Listen to the damn center. 

"…That's all we have to do."

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-John McMullen contributes Eagles coverage for SI.com's Eagles Today and is the NFL Insider for JAKIB Media. You can listen to John, alongside legendary sports-talk host Jody McDonald every morning from 8-10 on ‘Birds 365,” streaming live on YouTube. John is also the host of his own show "Football 24/7 and a daily contributor to ESPN South Jersey. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen