The Eagles have been searching and praying for a fast, play-making difference maker all season as their offense has sputtered along week-after-week.
That player might have been in their building all along.
Running back Boston Scott had his coming out party on Monday night in the team's win over the New York Giants, totaling 128 yards and one touchdown on 16 touches. He was quick. He was elusive. He was a difference maker.
The question is if he can keep it up.
The answer is sure looks to be yes.
It was just one game, but a closer look at how the Eagles used Scott, and the plays that he made, should gives coaches, the front office and fans hope that he can do it again, and that he could be the replacement for Darren Sproles they have been looking for in the offense.
A second down play in the fourth quarter is a prime example of why.
With just over 13 minutes to play in the game, the Eagles faced a 2nd-and-8 from their own 27-yard line. The play was pretty routine, but it is a staple in the Doug Pederson offense. At the snap, Scott went out to the flat for the screen pass, and Carson Wentz — thankfully — hit him in stride.
Here is what happened next:
Boston Scott makin' moves!#NYGvsPHI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/mPB9tAtKRr
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 10, 2019Now, the Giants' defenders are not to be mistaken for the '85 Bears, but what Scott did in making three defenders miss on that play is something that can't be taught and stands out compared to the other Eagles' running backs.
A closer look:
Boston Scott jukes Janoris Jenkins out of his shoes pic.twitter.com/ZL5jCUj2Eh
— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) December 10, 2019Jordan Howard doesn't make those defenders miss. Miles Sanders hasn't shown he can. Sproles used to, and Scott showed he can by taking a pass caught behind the line of scrimmage and turning it into a 17-yard gain. That isn't something we have seen out of this offense often this season, but it is something Scott brings, and it is important as Doug Pederson is excellent at dialing up perfectly-timed screen passes. It is why he loved Sproles so much and wanted him in the offense.
Despite standing only 5-foot-7, Scott has also shown he can be effective in short-yardage situations, which is something Sproles excelled at as well.
Last night, on first-and-goal from the 2-yard line towards the end of the third quarter, Scott took the ball right up the middle for the touchdown. It is the second time this season Scott has been the team's goal line running back, as he brought it in from four-yards out in the team's win over the Buffalo Bills.
Scott's decisiveness is why he has been so effective, and why he has been tackled for a loss on only three of his 33 touches this season. Although he didn't score on this play, look at the why he quickly sees the hole and gets up field. His ability to do so, when combined with his speed, takes advantage of a big hole created by the offensive line.
Boston Scott runs like he's Earl Campbell. Love it! pic.twitter.com/T1QDuMErvL
— DIE-HARD -- Fans (@Eaglesfans9) December 10, 2019Sure, it was one game. Scott isn't in the same stratosphere as Sproles yet in accomplishments and has a ways to go to even prove he can consistently produce in the NFL.
You also have to wonder how the coaching staff and front office had Scott in the building all year — offseason, training camp and regular season — and just now got around to using him. In training camp, in the practices open to the media, Scott touched the ball just six times. By comparison, Wendell Smallwood got 45 touches. Josh Adams got 41. Scott was never given a real chance to make the team, and for an offense that has been desperate for playmakers for weeks, you have to wonder why he wasn't.
Sometimes, however, things just click. Players get put in the right spot with the right coach at the right time. That might have finally happened for Scott and the Eagles.
It was hard to ignore the potential Scott showed in this offense on Monday night. With Scott under contract in 2020, and Pederson not going anywhere, there is far more reason to believe they can duplicate the success of Monday night as opposed to it being a one-time thing.
The Eagles are certainly hoping that is the case.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
