Eagles’ Week 3 RB Plan Isn’t What Fans Wanted to Hear
By Isaiah De Los Santos
![Kenny Gainwell is the Eagles' RB1, but how will the depth chart shake out in Week 2? Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports Kenny Gainwell is the Eagles' RB1, but how will the depth chart shake out in Week 2? Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/14f69723eff610875180549f5584a4fd341f156cc8589f980d941c9ed24b6e6c.jpg)
One of the biggest topics heading into the Philadelphia Eagles’ Week 3 game is how they’ll handle the backfield. Fans are hoping D’Andre Swift is the clear-cut starter after he made a resounding statement with his performance against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.
However, it appears Kenneth Gainwell isn’t going away anytime soon.
Garafolo: Eagles to ride hot hand between D'Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell in Week 3.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) September 24, 2023
Eagles Running Backs Week 3
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on Sunday that Philadelphia will take the “hot hand” approach between Swift and Gainwell in Week 3. That means they’ll switch off as lead back if one is performing better than the other at any moment.
This isn’t really what the Philly faithful wants, however. Swift showed he is fully capable of being this team’s RB1 in Week 2 thanks to his electric playmaking. Though he’s more known for his dual-threat abilities, it was his rushing (28 carries for 175 yards and 1 touchdown) that was on clear display against Minnesota.
Simply put, Swift is more talented than Gainwell. The latter is a great rotational piece who can make plays on the ground or as a receiver, but he lacks that true next gear to significantly impact games. His okay Week 1 outing (14 carries, 54 rushing yards) certainly showed that.
This offense is just better when Swift is in the backfield. He’s the kind of talent that defenses will have to gameplan for given the number of ways he can break off big plays, making this unit even deadlier. Gainwell lining up behind Jalen Hurts just doesn’t instill nearly the same kind of fear.
Nick Sirianni and company obviously like what Gainwell brings to this team for them to even consider splitting the lead back role. However, their affinity for the veteran RB needs to be realistic, or they risk this offense playing below its true potential.
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