Why Miles Sanders Is a Future Star
From the moment he was selected, second-round pick Miles Sanders has had high expectations placed on him by everyone who follows the Eagles. He has not disappointed at all.
During week 15 against the Redskins, Sanders broke two rookie records previously held by Eagles legends. Sanders broke Desean Jackson’s 2008 yards from scrimmage record and LeSean McCoy’s 2009 rookie rushing record.
Both accomplishments are great, considering the fact that both McCoy and Jackson both had success in Philadelphia and around the NFL. What should make Eagles fans even more excited about his future is the fact that Sanders fits the mold of the modern-day NFL running back.
On the ground, Sanders has been productive. He currently sits at 687 yards on 150 carries with two touchdowns. Per attempt, Sanders averages 4.6 yards. Per game, he sits at 49.1 yards. He is currently fourth among rookie running backs in both rushing yards and yards per game.
Through the air, Sanders has also shined. Sanders has caught 42 passes for 433 yards and three touchdowns. He has more receiving yards and touchdowns than Nelson Agholor. Among the team, Sanders is currently fourth in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
Finally, Sanders’ big-play ability is outstanding. Most recently, Sanders’ fifty-six yard run on 3rd and 11 in Washington showcased his elusiveness. His sixty-five-yard touchdown run during week 8 in Buffalo put him in the top ten among all NFL running backs in the longest rushing attempt category.
These are three things that today’s elite running backs such as Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliot, and Alvin Kamara all possess. Sanders is no different in what he brings to the table. This type of dynamic player is something the team has lacked since the departure of Lesean McCoy after the 2014 season.
For Sanders and the Eagles, it is just a matter of continuing to develop him. This is where it falls on running backs coach Duce Staley.
Since 2013, Staley has been able to get the most out of the personnel given to him. He has helped develop studs such as Lesean McCoy. Staley has also developed players most people never heard initially, such as Corey Clement and Boston Scott. As long as Staley can stay around and work with Sanders beyond this season, there is no reason why Sanders cannot grow into the next Eagles feature back.
Eagles’ history is littered with productive running backs who have guided the team to success.
Guys like Wilbert Montgomery, Ricky Watters, Brian Westbrook, and Lesean McCoy are ones that Miles Sanders in time will join the ranks of. Players that are Eagles legends.
Featured Image: Scott Taetsch/AP Photo All statistics and rankings found on Pro Football Reference and NFL.com
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Categorized:Eagles