PHILADELPHIA — Heading into Sunday’s Week 12 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the 8-2 Eagles have plenty of reasons to be concerned about their offense. They rank 25th in total yards (300.1 per game), 28th in passing (184.9 per game), 17th in rushing (115.2 per game) and 16th in scoring (23.4 per game), with only a few bright spots to lean on.
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert, quarterback Jalen Hurts and backup running back Tank Bigsby have stood out as the positives on Philadelphia’s offense.
It might surprise readers that Bigsby’s name was included, but he has averaged 9.2 yards per carry in the last four games, providing the Eagles’ offense with a spark that has been missing this season, one that even star running back Saquon Barkley has been unable to provide.
This is not to say Bigsby has surpassed Barkley, but he has looked explosive and should be incorporated into the run game more often if he continues making plays.
Bigsby rushed for 104 yards in the Eagles’ Week 8 victory over the New York Giants and also broke off a 17-yard carry last week in the 16-6 win against the Detroit Lions that set up the team’s only touchdown.
He has just 17 carries in 2025, with his nine attempts against New York marking a season high. The Eagles would be smart to give him about nine carries per game to see if he can solve some of their offensive issues.
“I go out and give it my all that day in that moment,” Bigsby told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday about his mindset as a runner. “Cause that’s all I may have. I don’t know if tomorrow is promised. So I don’t care about (how many carries I get). I’m just here to try to win and be the best teammate I can be for my guys.”
Understanding Bigsby’s journey to Philadelphia helps explain his current perspective.
One day before the 2025 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded Bigsby to the Eagles in exchange for 2026 fifth and sixth-round draft picks. After rushing for 766 yards last season as one of Jacksonville’s feature backs, he was beat out this year in training camp for the RB2 spot by Jaguars rookie Bhayshul Tuten.
Bigsby has shifted his mindset in Philadelphia, moving away from dwelling on past setbacks and instead focusing on the present moment.
“Just come out and play hard and play for the guy next to me,” Bigsby said about his goals this season. “Instead of going out for results, I go out for the guy next to me. That’s what this team is about and I’m just grateful, thankful to be a part of this organization because it’s a brotherhood first and results come second.”
Bigsby has made a strong impression on his teammates, as evidenced by Hurts’ effusive praise.
“I’m a big fan of him as a player, but (also) as a person who shows up and how he works,” Hurts said on Wednesday. “You see him running hard and dragging people and being very hard to bring down, almost undeniable.
“He practices just like that. He’s given the scout team fits. He is stepping in there, and he’s eager to take advantage of the opportunity. Never hesitant to ask a question to try to make sure we are good and on the same page. It’s been fun to watch him play when he gets those opportunities.”
Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo hasn’t used Bigsby extensively, but he’s been encouraged by his performances.
“Yeah, when he comes in, he brings a lot of energy, Patullo said on Tuesday. “The energy and the juice that he brings is awesome. He runs extremely hard.” ...
Bigsby’s birth name is Cartavious, but according to AL.com, his aunt and father nicknamed him Tank at just two years old because he ran over everything in his path — a trait that has defined his football career.
So, he’s enjoyed playing in a physical, run-heavy offense.
“That’s the Eagles’ culture ever since I was a little kid,” Bigsby said. “That’s what this organization and culture has been about: downhill running. A guy that can make a guy miss and run at somebody. That’s this culture.”
Bigsby also said learning from Barkley is “a gift from God,” and he wants to match his work ethic.
After Wednesday’s locker room session, the young RB went into the film room to study the Cowboys’ defense, preparing to make an impact.
“I just feel like we just got to keep at it,” Bigsby said about the run game. “But it’s been going. We’ve been doing what we’re supposed to do. We’ve been winning games, and that’s the most important thing. Everybody tries to point out a factor of one thing and one person or one category of a team (that isn’t doing well), but we are winning. We’re 8-2. A lot of people can’t say they’re 8-2 in this league and we’re one of those teams, so that’s all that matters. We find a way to win no matter what.”
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