After getting dealt to the Eagles in the middle of the 2017 Super Bowl season, Jay Ajayi really just got a taste of Doug Pederson’s playbook last season.
“Now, it’s like the full menu’s open,” Ajayi said Tuesday.
And Ajayi’s hungry.
He’s hungry to take on more responsibility, hungry to show he’s still a top running back in the NFL and he’s hungry to help the Eagles become the first team since the Patriots in the early 2000s to repeat as Super Bowl champs.
A better understanding of the offense ought to help. This time last year, he was gearing up for what would be the start of a tumultuous final run in Miami, where he lasted until just late October.
He was traded to the Eagles on Halloween, so he missed all of their spring workouts, training camp and the first half of the season. Because of his late arrival, Ajayi had to come to Philadelphia in the middle of the season and try to learn a complex offense.
“Last year, it was kind of thrown in the fire, learn it on the fly,” Ajayi said. “And I did a good job of picking up the playbook. But obviously, getting a full year to grasp the nuances, why certain things go in the playbook.”
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Even with a limited grasp of the offense, Ajayi still showed flashes of what made him a Pro Bowl back in Miami just the year before. Ajayi averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt (408 on 70) in seven games with the Eagles. That’s the best yards per average for an Eagles running back (minimum 50 attempts) in the Super Bowl era.
Then in three playoff games, he had 42 carries for 184 yards and six catches for 70 yards.
While Corey Clement returns for his second season, Ajayi figures to be a more prominent figure in the Eagles’ backfield, especially after LeGarrette Blount left for Detroit in free agency.
“Yeah, I’m excited,” Ajayi said. “Obviously, things have gotten a little shaken up in our room and I’m excited to get into that lead role. To do what’s needed of me and just go ball. It was kind of a year and a half removed from being the guy. I’m excited to get back into that role and showcase again to the world what I can do.”
When asked what being the lead back means to him, Ajayi said he wants to be the running back the coaches count on. When they need a play, he wants them to call on No. 26.
Ajayi, 24, is entering the final year of his rookie contract that will pay him a base salary of under $2 million in 2018. Because of a chronic knee condition, it’s unclear what kind of contract Ajayi will get after this season is over. He claims he isn’t worried about his future.
“Obviously, you kind of understand what the stakes are going into this season,” Ajayi said. “I’m not going to let it affect the way I carry out my business. Obviously, I understand that is something that will come to a crossroads at some point, whether it’s during the season or at the end of the year.
“For me, it’s just about doing whatever I can to be the best player, the best running back in the NFL. That just starts now, putting in the work and time in so that this season will be a great one for me.”
By all accounts, Ajayi has been putting in the work. Earlier this offseason, when Doug Pederson was asked to name a player who came back in great shape, he didn’t hesitate to say Ajayi’s name: “Jay Ajayi came back [in] great shape, great health.”
Despite the shorter-than-usual offseason, which, for Ajayi, included a trip back to London with the Lombardi Trophy, Ajayi has been able to stay in great shape. That’s important for a running back like Ajayi, who prides himself on being able to punish opposing defenses in the fourth quarters of games.
This offseason, Ajayi brought his personal trainer out to Philadelphia and hired a personal chef, who has been working with the team nutritionist to prepare all his meals. He’s been eating more organic ingredients and has added more fruit to his diet.
When asked who sets the standard for nutritious eating in the Eagles’ locker room, Ajayi mentioned Malcolm Jenkins and his vegan diet. Ajayi smiled and said he’s not quite ready to make that drastic of a change.
After all, he’s still really hungry.