Is Miles Sanders the Next LeSean McCoy?
Miles Sanders proved in his rookie season that he could carry the workload of an every-down back in the National Football League.
His talent is something that the Eagles have missed out of the backfield for the latter part of the decade.
The late 2010s have brought the Birds a carrousel of running backs.
For the past five seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles’ leading rusher has been five different backs.
2015 – DeMarco Murray
2016 – Ryan Mathews
2017 – LeGarrette Blount
2018 – Josh Adams
2019 – Miles Sanders
In 2019, however, the Eagles finally found someone that could bring stability back to the position for their offense. Sanders could be the successor to LeSean McCoy that Philadelphia has longed to find.
With only one season under his belt, is it plausible to say that Miles Sanders is the next Shady McCoy?
Photo: theeagleswire.usatoday.com
It isn’t absurd to say at all. Shady McCoy and Miles Sanders both measure in at 5’11, 210lbs. Their playing-styles are generally similar due to their dual-threat ability. Not only does Sanders match Shady on film, but his numbers back his argument as well.
In 2019, Miles Sanders broke LeSean McCoy’s franchise record of most rushing yards in a rookie season. Sanders ended his season with 818 yards, passing McCoy’s former total of 637. Sanders also passed both LeSean McCoy and Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson to become the franchise’s all-time leader with the most scrimmage yards as a rookie.
Sanders has the potential to be one of the best rushers in franchise history. He already has goals to surpass the current Philadelphia best, LeSean McCoy. Back in his introductory press conference with the Birds, Sanders went on the record and stated, “I want to be better than LeSean McCoy.”
What better way to surpass the best than to learn from him, right? This may become a reality for Sanders as talks have sparked about McCoy; currently, a free agent may potentially return to Philly.
McCoy has expressed interest in returning before, as he is outspoken with his love for Philadelphia. It is also now known that he will retire as a Philadelphia Eagle once he decides to hang up the cleats.
The comparisons between these two talented runners are just beginning. It will follow Sanders until his eventual retirement, where people can then finally come to their own rightful conclusion.
Until then, Eagles fans everywhere can enjoy watching Miles Sanders and his rise through the NFL ranks.
His trajectory is on the rise, and the league is now on notice.
Featured Image: nj.com All Statistics: ProFootballReference.com
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