Preseason football isn't often viewed through the lens of wins and losses, but it is at times referenced for statistics. Philadelphia Eagles fans notice touchdown passes. They're very well aware of who scores sacks and who doesn't. Social media is flooded with highlight-reel plays. Coaches and front offices, however, are frequently searching for something different. They are searching for utility. That philosophy takes center stage after Philadelphia's 24-21 preseason loss to the New England Patriots.
Several players received extensive workloads. Some more talented than others, and that revealed just how much the organization values versatility when evaluating the back end of the roster.
Utility remains a valuable Eagles currency.
While standout performances from Tanner McKee, Ty Robinson
and Will Shipley generated headlines,the snap counts offered a different lesson. Philadelphia continues rewarding players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.
Every NFL team wants talented players. What separates the final roster spots is often the ability to provide value beyond a single position. Seeing which Eagles players played more versus thePatriots highlighted that reality.
Carson Steele led the Eagles' backfield with 43 offensive snaps, accounting for 68% of the team's offensive workload. Steele's production was impressive — six catches for 84 yards, 33 rushing yards, and a touchdown — but the larger takeaway may be how many different ways the Eagles continue to find opportunities to use him.
Steele isn't simply being evaluated as a running back. He has spent the summer serving as a hybrid player, capable of contributing as a runner, receiver, blocker, and special-teamsoption. If he makes the squad, he'll more than likely have to beat out the incumbent Cameron Latu. The more roles he can handle, the easier it becomes for the Eagles to justify a roster spot. The same principle extends beyond the offensive backfield.
Special teams often tell the story.
Roster battles are frequently decided on special teams, and several Eagles received workloads that reflected that reality. Chance Campbell played 32 defensive snaps while matching Deontae Lawson for the team lead with 18 special teams snaps. At safety, Andre' Sam played a team-high 53 defensive snaps while adding 13 more on special teams.
His 66 total snaps represented one of the heaviest workloads on the entire roster. Maximus Pulley also received an extensive opportunity, as did Carson Steele on the offensive side of the ball. All are talented. All can handle multiple responsibilities. All are also on the bubble. Successful arguments can be made for keeping them on the 53-man roster and for leaving them off once final cuts are made.
Neither player's evaluation is limited to how much they played on Saturday. The Eagles are gathering information about whether they can contribute in multiple phases. Roster math is part of the discussion. On a team this good, players often fall victim to the numbers game.
The organization's roster-building philosophy has at times been centered on finding specialists for a few spots. The Eagles have also prioritized players capable of wearing multiple hats. Stone Smartt offered another example. He doesn't provide much as a blocker, but he's a good player and special teams player, and he's seemed a long shot to make the roster since his arrival.
Smartt, Campbell, Lawson, Sam and Pulley all handled significant responsibilities outside their primary positions. Those opportunities are rarely distributed by accident. Heavy preseason workloads often indicate that coaches want a larger sample size before making difficult roster decisions.
They also reveal which players are being trusted to handle multiple responsibilities. As cutdown day approaches, statistics will continue drawing attention. The snap counts may be telling a more important story.
The Eagles are once again showing that versatility remains one of the most valuable traits a roster hopeful can possess. For players battling for opportunities at the bottom of the depth chart, the ability to contribute in multiple phases may ultimately prove just as important as any highlight produced during a preseason game
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles reward versatility as roster decisions approach
