When the Philadelphia Eagles signed veteran running back LeGarrette Blount this offseason, the consensus was that the team signed a dominant back who may not have much left in the tank. There’s a growing focus in the NFL on the age of players…and Blount was no exception. But in a league where 30-years old, is considered ancient, the former 2010 UDFA once signed by the Tennessee Titans out of the University of Oregon, still packs a heck of a punch.
In Doug Pederso’s west coast style of offense, the birds need a legitimate rushing threat for it to work. The team was blessed with the talents of Darren Sproles and now Rookie Donnel Pumphrey, to help with catching passes out of the backfield. But the team lacked a real workhorse last year to help in the short yardage game and set the tempo. Two-time Super Bowl Champion, Blount ticks those boxes with ease as he possesses the size (6’0, 250 lbs) to be a bulldozer when running between the tackles. We all know about the athleticism and ability to make guys miss at the second level, and that will be a welcome addition in Philadelphia.
Fresh off of a Super Bowl win, and arguably his best career year with 1,161 yards on 299 attempts, for a crazy 18 touchdowns, Blount is also an excellent pass blocker. The Eagles brought him in to be a power running back…enabling Sproles and Pumphrey to explode onto the scene in as many ways as possible.
It has been well documented that since coming in the league, Blount has taken a beating to his body due to his physical style of running. since 2010, he has carried the ball 1,168 times, for over 5,000 yards, and 49 touchdowns. But speaking to Blount recently, you get the sense that there’s a lot left in the tank.
“Yeah, I feel good, I feel really good.” Blount said. “I feel like I have been in great shape my whole career, it has been something I spend a lot of time working on, my body, my fitness. So as far as my style of running, being so physical, it is just who I am, and I know for sure I have a lot left in the tank. I have a lot left to offer football and the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Blount was easily one of the most prominent backs in the league last year, and even with all the hype surrounding this year’s draft class, many teams still kept him on their radar. So why did Blount choose the Eagles?
“I wanted to be here because of the style of play, because they have the potential to be a really good team, and I think I have a lot to offer to that.” Blount expressed excitedly. “To help make this team a winner, they have a good young quarterback, a great offensive line, and a tough defense. It was easy for me to choose to be here, it was easy too see how I fit.”
He continued on talking about his running style.
“I know people see my style, I know that defenses are coming in trying to stop the run and trying to be as physical with me as I am with them. It doesn’t concern me, I know that I am in great shape, that I come into each year in great shape, so my play will speak for itself. As far as being a short yardage guy, okay.. if that’s what the team needs, 3 yards, a yard whatever. I will do what is asked of me, but please don’t think I can’t come out and break a long one, that has been proven. I know what kind of player I am, and I have no problem showing it all over again this year. We are doing something special in Philadelphia, just wait and see.”
History tells us, that when a runner gets to a certain age, his production usually takes a hit. But the truth of the matter is, that Blount is not a normal athlete, he is built for the long haul, despite his age. The 250 lbs, monster still has a chip on his shoulder, that he will continue to take out on any defense that gets in his way. Even with all the WR help the team brought in, the safe bet is to line up with their dominant offensive line and run the ball down opponents throats, week in and week out. Blount, is the just the man to get that done.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
