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26 Days’ Until Kickoff

13 August 2019 Uncategorized

The countdown continues Eagles fans. In honor of 26 days until kickoff, I am pleased to speak on our new offensive weapon, rookie running back, Miles Sanders. In day two of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select Miles Sanders from the Penn State University with pick 53.  Sanders was called up by the Nittany Lion’s to step out of Saquon Barkley‘s shadow and lead the team as the primary ball carrier. That is exactly what he did. Sanders started 13 games, on 220 rushing attempts, he rushed for 1274 yards and 9 touchdowns on a 5.8 yard average. His best performance came against Illinois where he rushed 22 times for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The hype for Sander’s has been building ever since draft night. Eagles fan’s are in the right to be excited because ever since he arrived in Philly, he’s done all of the right things. Miles has made sure to sign as many autographs as possible at events and more importantly, he’s been attached at the hips of Darren Sproles and Jordan Howard, two NFL vets who have had successful careers thus far. Sander’s has impressed the media and his teammates at training camp and showed flashes last Thursday running behind our second or even third team offensive line. Last Sunday, the 4th and Jawn crew attended the open practice and all eyes were on Sanders. After watching Miles work, I had two players in mind; Nick Chubb and Joe Mixon. Miles showed power and a stiff arm equal to Chubb. He also showcased an explosive jump cut and incredible balance like Joe Mixon. If Sander’s can take the best of both of those back’s, he’ll be special.

Picking Sander’s will always be a notable pick because the Eagles do not tend to draft running backs early. This draft pick is special because it was gifted to us from last years trade with the Baltimore Ravens. We traded pick 32 (yes pick 32 because we were the World Champions in case any non-Eagles fans reading this forgot), for pick 52 in 2018 (which resulted in Dallas Goedert),  swapped picks 132 and 125 for 2018 (which resulted in Avonte Maddox), Eagles received pick 125 in 2019, and pick 53 (Sanders) in 2019 . So if you break it down, we essentially traded Baltimore for Goedert, Avonte Maddox, Miles Sanders, and used the 125 pick (which was originally Baltimore’s) to move up to get Dillard and for them to get Lamar Jackson and Jaleel Scott at 132 and Iman Marshall at pick 127. It’s always interesting to follow how complex draft season can be and how well Howie navigates it. It looks like we may have found our franchise back for years to come.

As the preseason goes on, I hope that the Eagles make sure to give Sander’s rest. His roster spot is secured and he only needs a few snaps to get used to the game speed. His reps should be divided to Adams, Smallwood, and Scott who need to prove their worth. Especially with the fact that his hamstring was bothering him a few weeks ago. Sander’s run and pass catching game is proven, he just needs to refine his pass protection skills. Luckily, Sproles and Howard are two of the best pass blocking backs in the league. Some people were hesitant to approve the return of Sproles, but they are being closed minded. Sproles value is in his experience and leadership. He can teach not only our RBs, but all of our players the ins and outs of how to navigate the NFL. Sander’s has all of the intangibles to be a top back in the NFL and with a vet like Sproles leading the way for him, the sky is the limit! As Always, Fly Eagles Fly!

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