Miles Sanders May Not Work On Every Down In 2021
3 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders may have his role scaled back in the 2021 season. When healthy, Sanders operated as an almost every-down back in the Eagles offense last season. Boston Scott would mix in on some third downs, but Sanders was usually on the field for every play of an offensive drive. New Eagles running backs coach Jamel Singleton has mentioned that he prefers not using an every-down back, however. He said, "You need a first- and second-down runner with that really elite ability. You need a guy that can pass protect on third down and be short yardage. You need a back that can run routes and you can put him out in empty. It's really a combination of that. I think the days of, 'he's an every-down back,' that's a little skewed these days because of the speed, because of the contact." Sanders was getting over 18 touches on average when Jalen Hurts was starting last season, but that number could be cut in half if the Eagles do in fact go away from him as an every-down player. Sanders is being drafted as a top-20 running back in early drafts, and while he has the talent to produce that kind of value, he may not have the opportunity.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic