The Eagles' backfield already had a superstar. But sometimes, the best supporting acts emerge from the shadows. Imagine a baseball team with a dominant ace on the mound. Suddenly, their setup man starts throwing pure heat. That’s the kind of offensive luxury now unfolding in Philadelphia. Everyone came to see the main attraction, but a new name is stealing a piece of the show.
In Week 8, head coach Nick Sirianni made a telling admission about his $2.6 million backup. The Eagles’ offense just revealed a dangerous new dimension. Sirianni confirmed what the stat sheet screamed after a 38-20 rout of the Giants. Saquon Barkley electrified with 150 yards. But amid that, Tank Bigsby exploded for 104 of his own. And this one-two punch immediately changes the team’s offensive calculus.
Sirianni’s praise was specific and effusive. He directly linked Bigsby’s performance to the front office’s decision to acquire him. “Obviously, there’s a reason we traded for him,”Sirianni stated. “Really, really explosive runner. And you see that, we see that all the time in practice.” The coach highlighted the gradual process of integrating Bigsby into the system. Besides, his increased opportunities are now paying massive dividends.
Bigsby isn’t just getting yards; he’s creating explosions. “I mean, I think he’s averaging over 10 yards a carry in two games now,”Sirianni noted. This efficiency transforms the Eagles' play-calling options. Sirianni also broke down the runner’s diverse skill set.“He can run violently. He can make you miss. He’s explosive. He can hit a home run.” This versatility makes him the perfect complement to Barkley’s power and elusiveness.
Tank Bigsby: A Newfound Backfield Depth for Nick Sirianni
Bigsby's performance was definitely not a fluke. It stems from his 766-yard season in Jacksonville last year. The Eagles’ trade for him is now looking like a masterstroke. He provides a legitimate, cost-controlled weapon behind their Pro Bowl starter. And its immediate impact is a completely unpredictable offense.
Defenses can no longer key solely on Barkley. This dual-threat capability is reminiscent of the 2013 Eagles... the last time they had two 100-yard rushers in a single game against the Chicago Bears. Moreover, Jalen Hurts certainly appreciates the balance.
A potent ground game opens up the entire playbook. It creates favorable passing matchups and makes the play-action pass lethally effective. The Eagles’ offense, when clicking on the ground like this, becomes a multi-headed monster that is nearly impossible to contain. Therefore, Bigsby’s emergence is a quarterback’s best friend.
Philadelphia entered 2025 wondering if Saquon could repeat 2,000. They exit October, knowing he doesn’t necessarily have to. The Eagles have found more than just a backup. Tank Bigsby’s presence ensures the running game remains potent. Potent regardless of workload or situation. The Eagles head into their bye week at 6-2. And this new backfield dynamic sends a clear message to the rest of the league... the message?
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The road to the Super Bowl might just run through Philadelphia, on the legs of two dominant runners.