Miles Sanders Needs a Bigger Workload
There is no doubt about the fact that Miles Sanders is the Eagles’ best and most explosive weapon on offense.
The second-year back has all the tools to be among the league’s elite backs, but he needs more work to be in that category.
Sanders has 434 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns on the season while averaging 6.1 yards per carry, which is leading the league by running backs. He also has 12 receptions for 91 yards. His stats might seem deflated, but he has also missed 3 games with a nagging hamstring/knee injury.
Taking a deeper look into the season, you’ll see why Miles needs a bigger workload. Miles is third in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 86.3.
Despite the success, Miles is 31st in attempts. Yes, 31st.
With names like Adrian Peterson, Joshua Kelley, Frank Gore and, Latavius Murray all getting more attempts. Now obviously missing three games plays into that, but there is no question that Doug needs to find a way for Miles to get the ball more. In the five games, Miles has played he hasn’t seen over 25 touches once. That’s just unacceptable.
With the struggles of Carson Wentz, why not give Miles the ball more?
Even before he got hurt Miles wasn’t getting the ball enough. We’ve all watched the games, when Miles touches the ball good things happen. Whether it be receiving or rushing, Miles has the ability to score on any given play. Another part of his game that is criminally underrated is his pass protection. Miles is great in pass protection and having him back to protect Carson is huge.
The clip below shows how good Miles is in pass protection, and shows his strength in receiving.
Given the time off, it’s time to let Miles off the leash, let him run. It’s been obvious that Doug doesn’t like committing to the run, but it may be his best option. The Eagles are desperate for wins, and I’m not sure letting your QB throw it 40 times is going to get you wins, no matter who you have at QB. Having a balanced offense with equal rushes and passes is what Doug needs to focus on. A solid workload for Miles of 25+ touches could also help make Wentz feel like he doesn’t need to play superhero every play.
Miles gives you a blend of everything, he’s shifty, he can lower the shoulder, he can make people miss, he has speed and he can catch out of the backfield.
It is time for Doug to use Miles to his full potential. He’s shown in the past how big of a game-changer he can be and now it’s time to let him work.
Photo: —
Whenever going over why to use Miles more I pinpoint two games last season. Green Bay and Buffalo. The Eagles ran the ball down both of those team’s throats, and it led to two big wins. Now, of course, Jordan Howard played a big role in those games, but so did Miles Sanders. Miles is more experienced now and the fumbling issues are behind him, he can carry the workload himself and he’s proven that in limited touches this year.
This Eagles season hasn’t gone the way we have all wanted it to, but there are still eight games left to right the ship. Miles Sanders needs to be the anchor that leads this team into January.
A healthy Miles is a glorious sight for Eagles fans and now is the time to let him lead this team.
Featured Image: AP Photo/Don Wright
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Categorized:Eagles