The Philadelphia Eagles scored only one touchdown vs. the Detroit Lions. But they found the end zone — and eventually won — thanks to some “bully ball” from the bench.
Tank Bigsby, the Eagles’ backup running back, provided a spark for Philadelphia’s struggling offense.
Bigsby subbed in for Saquon Barkley after the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year landed awkwardly on his hand in the second quarter. The former Jacksonville Jaguar took advantage of his opportunity immediately.
Bigsby ripped off a 17-yard run on a second-and-13 on the Eagles’ lone touchdown drive of the game. The run, which featured Bigsby barreling through Lions cornerback Amik Robertson and knocking his helmet off, ignited the Lincoln Financial Field crowd.
Bigsby followed up his 17-yard gain with a seven-yard run that put the Eagles in the red zone. Three plays later, Jalen Hurts found the end zone with a tush push score.
Bigsby wasn’t on the field for Hurts’ touchdown; Barkley returned to the game after a brief spell on the sideline. But Bigsby had a lot to do with the Eagles’ statement drive before the half.
“When he comes in, he brings a lot of energy,” offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo said Tuesday. “The energy and juice that he brings is awesome. ... It’s been a good spark for us.”
The Eagles traded for Bigsby in September, sending 2026 fifth-round and sixth-round picks to the Jags. The 2023 third-round selection out of Auburn had two years left on his rookie deal and showed promise in Jacksonville (766 rushing yards in 2024). But Travis Etienne won the starting job, and rookie Bhayshul Tuten flashed, making Bigsby expendable.
Bigsby, billed as both a tailback and kick returner when he was acquired, started his Eagles tenure slowly. He had a couple mistakes on special teams and had only one carry through his first five games.
But Bigsby broke out in a big way on Oct. 26. That’s when the 215-pound bruiser rushed for 104 yards on nine carries against the Giants in relief of Barkley, who picked up a minor groin injury.
Bigsby’s first carry with Barkley sidelined was a 29-yard gain on second-and-23. From there, he continued to bowl over New York’s defense in a coming out party.
In his last four games, Bigsby has rushed for 156 yards on 17 carries, averaging 9.2 yards per attempt. It’s a small sample size. But Bigsby is making the most of his touches — and he’s impressing fans and teammates in the process.
“He describes it as ‘bully ball,’” offensive tackle Jordan Mailata said after Sunday’s game. “That’s just his style of play. It’s amazing. It’s beautiful having him.”
And it could be beautiful having Bigsby on Sunday, too, when the Eagles play the Cowboys’ gettable run defense. Dallas is allowing 4.7 yards per carry, the third-most by an NFC team.
Sunday’s NFC East matchup could afford the Eagles’ offense a chance to get back on track — and maybe create an opportunity for Bigsby to provide another spark.
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