Miles Sanders set to be Eagles’ backslider during Doug Pederson’s era

Philadelphia Eagles the training camp is around the corner … maybe? Players are currently scheduled to report to the NovaCare complex later this month. As we count the days together, Bleeding Green Nation will preview each position on the Eagles list. We continue today by taking a look at the ball carrier position. Previously: Strategist.

MILES SANDERS

Sanders showed his star talent in the final straight in 2019 and ended up leading all the rookies in total scrimmage yards. Now the 23-year-old is aiming for an “MVP year”.

Sanders is unlikely to achieve this lofty goal given that the league has not seen a comeback as an MVP since 2012. To come back to that, there have only been two non-quarterback MVP winners since 2007.

However, Sanders is very well placed to have a great 2020 season. He no longer has the inexperience of working against him as he did very early on as a rookie. He also no longer has to share a backfield with a veteran established since Jordan Howard’s departure from free agency.

Sanders plans to be the Eagles’ most featured ball carrier since the start of the Doug Pederson era in 2016. Now that doesn’t mean he will regularly record 20 runs per game. First, only Derrick Henry surpassed this mark last year (and barely 20.2). Second, we know that the Eagles have a habit of turning their backs.

But unlike in previous years, Sanders is the guys. Compare the current rear field configuration of the Eagles to the configurations since the arrival of Pederson:

2016 – Ryan Mathews (11.9 attempts per game), Darren Sproles (6.3), Wendell Smallwood (5.9)

2017 – LeGarrette Blount (10.8), Jay Ajayi (10), Corey Clement (4.6)

2018 – Josh Adams (8.6), Corey Clement (6.2), Wendell Smallwood (5.4)

2019 – Jordan Howard (11.9), Miles Sanders (11.2), Boston Scott (5.5)

ESPN’s Mike Clay projects that Sanders will record approximately 17.4 runs per game. I thought Sanders would be at least around 15. Really, he’s too good for the Eagles not to put the ball in his hands.

And we’ve only really talked about Sanders as a runner so far. It is obviously also a weapon that catches passes. In theory, the stretching speed the Eagles add to their attack should free up space for Sanders. It will be harder for teams to grab him in the passing game as they could when he was arguably (and unfortunately) the Eagles’ best deep threat for much of the 2019 season.

Really excited to see the second season of Sanders. He’s going to take a big leap. And it will start with a camp where he looks ready for the next step.

BOSTON SCOTT

Scott started the 2019 regular season as a member of the training team and ended it with the NFC Offensive Player of the Week title. I believe this is what children call a “shine”.

Scott, AKA Juice Lord, got his place on the 2020 list with his performances last year. It’s just a question of what his role will look like. The natural thought is that the Eagles should use Scott as they have used Darren Sproles. That is, a guy who gets a handful of litters per game in addition to a few targets.

Scott believes he is a good offensive contributor as a player. Can he handle more than that if something were to happen (God forbid) to Sanders? Maybe on a short term basis, but the Eagles are bound to use a much heavier rotation if Scott is the leading option.

COREY CLEMENT

It’s time to make or die for the Eagles’ best receiver of their Super Bowl LII victory. Clement looked set to take a step forward after a promising rookie season, but multiple injuries have prevented progression in the past two years.

Yes Clement can stay in good health, he is a quality committee back. He runs strong, he has chops that attract passes and he can contribute to special teams. Clement could have a small attacking role while providing depth to the Eagles.

ELIJAH HOLYFIELD

Holyfield was an intriguing late season addition by the Eagles after spending 2019 on the Carolina Panthers training team. Holyfield lacks speed (see: 4.78 seconds 40 yards) but he is physical and could be the physical runner the Eagles like to keep (see: Jordan Howard, LeGarrette Blount). Holyfield will probably have to earn its place on the list with a good summer. It might be good to have around for short film situations and to kill the clock.

MIKE WARREN

Warren was nicknamed “Truck” in Cincinnati, which should give you an idea of ​​his racing style. The Eagles gave him the sixth-highest guarantee on their 13 undrafted rookie free agent signatures so they would like him to some extent. As a UDFA, Warren already has a tough battle for the team. The fact of not having a real off-season hurts him even more. Warren is shaping up to be the physical runner the Eagles could afford to keep, but the training team could be a more likely landing spot.

ADRIAN KILLINS

Killins has already become something of a fan favorite in some circles, even if it is only a signature of the UDFA. People seem intrigued by its speed. But the reality is that he is far from being part of the team. The Eagles paid Killins the eighth highest warranty on their 13 signings at UDFA and he’s not going to have a full season to impress the coaching staff. Everything for keeping him on the training team with the hope that he will one day be able to play a fun role.

Sanders is going to be the main rear of the Eagles. I would say Scott is the only other real lock on the team. Clement is well placed to succeed if he can stay healthy. Then the Eagles have similarities to Holyfield, Warren and Killins who are fighting for fourth place.

You also have to take into account the interest shown by the Eagles for veteran semi-offensives like LeSean McCoy and Devonta Freeman. It is understood here that the Eagles would still like to add to their rear field, albeit at a very low price. Maybe they trade for a rookie contract player like, say, Royce Freeman?

It would be surprising to see Clement beat at this point, as the coaching staff would probably prefer to draw on his experience rather than other unknown guys. The biggest surprise will be who will add the Eagles to this position.