How the signing of Jordan Howard transforms the Eagles rushing attack

Passing Game

The addition of Jordan Howard already seems like a slam dunk simply based on what he bring to the running game. He couldn’t possibly improve the passing attack — snicker. It’s already been explained what a successful inside rushing attack can add to the passing lanes in Doug Pederson’s offence (or any offence for that matter). So what can Howard bring to the passing game individually?

First, his inefficiency as a pass catcher has been grossly oversold. He infamously had troubles with drops early in his career, leading the league in 2016 and tallying another six in 2017. That number fell to one last season. Here are his numbers compared to the other backs on the Eagles’ current roster:

Aside from Clement’s outstanding numbers in 2018, what the numbers prove is that Jordan Howard’s pass catching is on par with what the Eagles expect from their running backs. He’s better than Adams and about as efficient as Wendell Smallwood. In terms of play making after the catch, he doesn’t bring as much to the table because of his speed and agility. However, the idea that he is a liability is distorted.

What he does add to the equation that the others don’t is pass blocking. Clement was counted upon to be the Eagles’ feature pass-blocking back. Then he got injured. In his time on the field, Corey held his own, but isn’t the same imposing blocker that Howard is. The former Bear is one of the league’s premier pass-blocking backs, which will be a more-than-welcome addition to the backfield rotation. The Eagles rarely dropped into six-man blocking protections because Smallwood and Adams could not be counted on to pick up blitzes. No more. Now with DeSean Jackson taking the top off defenses and Howard watching his tail, Carson Wentz can step back and sling it — the thing he loves to do the most.

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports