The Eagles have been able to rest their starters several times this season, which is a great opportunity for the backups and young guys to get some in-game experience.
It’s not often that an NFL team has enough of a lead that they can bench their starters and give their depth some experience, but the Eagles have been able to do that several times this season. Those snaps will prove valuable as the team heads through this final stretch of the year.
Having the opportunity to sit some starters late in games is beneficial because it preserves their body a little more and eliminates garbage time injuries. Plus, it gives some of the younger guys and backups a chance to get integrated into the game which gives them a leg up later in the season if their number is eventually called.
In Sunday’s win over the Rams, they weren’t able to pull guys as early as other games, but the backups did come on the field for the two victory formation snaps to end the game. Those two snaps aren’t wasted experience, especially for guys like Tyler Steen and Jack Driscoll who have already had to step into different roles throughout the season.
We all were reminded part way through the fourth quarter when Brandon Graham left the game that injuries can take a guy out for the season at any time. The Eagles have had to face their share of injuries late in the year and even in the playoffs, and having guys able to step into a bigger role without much of a drop off is critical.
Games with real-speed snaps will go a long way in getting young guys like Will Shipley and Ainias Smith ready to play on offense, too. Shipley was a part of some really good drives in his bonus playing time this season, taking advantage of the offensive snaps. Against the Giants, the rookie RB had eight carries for 15 yards, and against the Cowboys, he had nine carries for 34 yards.
There is no substitute for game experience, and the fact that the Eagles have been able to get other guys that opportunity multiple times this season will only help them later on.
