Boston Scott Ready to Accept Whatever Role Awaits, Despite Challenges

PHILADELPHIA – Boston Scott was nothing greater than an afterthought, a spare half, early within the rookie season of Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.

It wasn’t till Week 7 that he earned his first carry.

That has been the story of Scott’s profession, which started in 2018 as a sixth-round draft decide of the New Orleans Saints. He’s a job participant, however one who has discovered to play his position properly.

“I’m not likely anxious about what my position is or isn’t,” stated Scott final week. “I come right here, and I present up and work. I simply need to be a bit bit higher than I used to be final 12 months, competing in opposition to myself, and wherever the playing cards fall, that’s the place they fall.”

Final 12 months’s hand was gradual in growing.

Sirianni didn’t notice till midseason the complete home that he had.

The coach tried an offense heavy on the go and restricted his backfield to simply two working backs.

Each methods have been flawed.

The Eagles weren’t able to be a passing staff proper out of the gate, and by no means actually grew to become one because the season went alongside, therefore the additions of A.J. Brown and Zach Pascal. Nor was utilizing simply Miles Sanders and rookie Kenny Gainwell as the one two working backs the precise method.

Extremely, Sanders and Gainwell have been the one two RBs to take a handoff from Hurts within the first six weeks of the season. Sure, cellular QB Jalen Hurts ran and even WR Jalen Reagor obtained a carry for 12 yards in Week 4’s loss to the Chiefs.

In a Week 3 blowout to the Cowboys, Sanders and Gainwell mixed for simply three – three – carries.

The end result was a hard-to-stomach 2-5 begin that had many saying Sirianni was going to be a one-and-done coach.

Then in Week 7, Sanders obtained damage in Las Vegas.

Scott took the sphere and had seven runs for twenty-four yards.

The following week, the mud actually got here off, as did the wraps on the run recreation. Jordan Howard was activated from the apply squad when Sanders went on IR with an ankle harm.

In Week 8, Scott had 12 carries for 60 yards, Howard 12 carries for 57 yards. The Eagles throttled the Lions and, with a new-look offense that featured the working recreation, and the staff closed on a 7-3 run and completed as the highest speeding assault within the NFL.

Scott?

He ended his season with a team-high seven touchdowns regardless of not taking part in within the first six-and-a-half video games.

Now, who is aware of what his position will appear to be this 12 months. Chances are high, he’ll play behind Sanders and Gainwell once more, however possibly he received’t be buried on the bench.

The Eagles thought sufficient of him that, regardless that they didn’t tender him a contract when he grew to become a restricted free agent on the finish of the season, a deal that will have been for $2.4 million which might have additionally been the wage cap hit, they gave him a contract for one 12 months shortly after free company started.

His contract is for $1.75 with $1.1M assured however might be value $2.25M.

Scott stated he stored his choices open, however the Eagles stayed in touch as free company approached.

“I believe as a businessman, I believe it’s vital to at all times preserve issues open, however on the finish of the day we selected what was greatest for the staff, for me, for my future,” he stated. “That’s a credit score to this complete group. They’ve at all times carried themselves with super quantity of poise, stored issues cordial, and maintained that good relationship. 

“We have been on good phrases at any time when the season was over. So, that line of communication stayed open your complete time and it’s at all times been nothing however love on either side.”

As a lot as Scott is prepared to simply accept no matter position is handed him, he admits not understanding from week to week might be difficult.

“There are undoubtedly some difficulties and a few challenges with that,” he stated. “I believe continuity is a giant factor, however on the finish of the day, that is the NFL. Your job is to indicate up and once you’re introduced with these alternatives, maximize these alternatives. Interval. 

“No excuses. No one inside these strains cares about what’s happening in your life. Your job is to indicate up and do what you’re purported to do. That’s what I attempt to concentrate on essentially the most, however it may be tough, yeah.”

Ed Kracz is the writer of SI.com’s Fan Nation Eagles As we speak and co-host of the Eagles Unfiltered Podcast. Take a look at the newest Eagles information at www.SI.com/NFL/Eagles or www.eaglesmaven.com and please comply with him on Twitter: @kracze.