Entering his 4th year in the Pros, it’s crazy to think Eagles RB Miles Sanders has yet to eclipse 1k rushing yards in a season.
Although, pacing himself with the League’s best in YPR (5.5 tied for 2nd amongst RBs in 2021), Sanders has yet to hit the plateaus of 200+ carries or 1,000 yards rushing in his first 3 seasons in Philadelphia.
In fact, Sanders failed to even scored a touchdown in 2021, after totaling 6 in each of his first two seasons.
Sanders did miss 5 games last season, but as a part of the League’s #1 rushing Offense, it’s strange to say the least.
Even more so when you consider the rushing success of fellow Eagles, further down the totem pole.
Getting less than 90 attempts each, the backup RBs combined for 15 TDs on the ground (Boston Scott (7), Kenneth Gainwell (5) & Jordan Howard (3)).
While Philly QB Jalen Hurts led the team in rushes (139), rushing yards (784) & rushing TDs (10).
Key Factors for Sanders getting to 1K
- More Opportunities: Sanders played 12 games in both 2020 & 2021, but saw a decrease in carries per game from 13.7 to 11.4. That came as a result of Jalen Hurts style of QB play, which features the ability to utilize his legs, sometimes too often. Miles also ranked 3rd amongst Eagles in red zone carries. Although red-zone carries may not produce the most additional yardage being 20 yards out, it definitely adds up. Getting Sanders closer to 15 carries per contest, will help close the gap to 1k. Ideally, Philly is better off with Sanders handling red-zone work than Hurts accumulating more hits.
- Staying Healthy: As mentioned above, Sanders has missed 9 games the past two seasons. Considering his pace during each (Attempts per game x YPA), Miles would have well exceed the 1,000 yard threshold in both, if he had played every game. Tough task to be healthy / available for all 17 games at such a physical position, but all it takes is 58.8 yards a game to eclipse 1k.
- Scheme: With the improvement / additions to the receiving core this offseason, it should allow Philly to have more clarity on roles for each Offensive player. A better cast of weapons will also allow QB Jalen Hurts to have more options through the air, rather than being forced to escape the pocket repeatedly. Overall, new receiving weapons gives Philly the luxury of being more balanced, where in 2021 they ranked dead last in pass attempts & 2nd in rushing attempts.
Will playing on the last year of his rookie contract motivate Miles Sanders into having a career year?
Only time will tell, as the Eagles open season in Detroit, September 11th at 1pm ET.