Since Duce Staley started coaching the Eagles running backs in 2013, he has overseen different types of backfields. During his first two years, LeSean McCoy was clearly the lead rusher. In 2015, the Eagles didn't know if DeMarco Murray should be their top running back or a sideline observer. Last season, it was a committee led by Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles.
Coach Doug Pederson wants a similar committee this season, although the personnel will be different with the additions of 250-pound bruiser LeGarrette Blount and 176-pound rookie Donnel Pumphrey. They'll join Sproles and Wendell Smallwood in a four-man backfield that will likely have Blount as its top rusher, but could take on a different form depending on the opponent.