One factor will prevent Miles Sanders from leading Eagles backfield

Miles Sanders is talented enough to lead the Eagles backfield — but one factor could prevent that from happening this year.

When the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Penn State running back Miles Sanders in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, it sent a message. For the first time since the LeSean McCoy era in Philly, the Eagles seem to be prioritizing the backfield.

Ever since Doug Pederson’s arrival in 2016, he’s been criticized in Philadelphia for lack of running the ball. Many were growing frustrated after seeing Carson Wentz pass nearly, or sometimes more than 40 times a game. Then, in 2017 we saw more of a balance — and that turned out great.

Last year though, Pederson avoided running the ball as much once again. It wasn’t really by choice, however. The Eagles just had nonstop injuries affecting their committee of a backfield. Once Pederson and the front office realized the Birds needed to get back to establishing a run, they acquired multiple additions. Most notably, being the selection of Miles Sanders.

When Sanders was drafted that high though, nobody was expecting him to lead the Eagles in carries this year potentially. With Jordan Howard involved, it seemed likely the four-year veteran will pick up where left off in Chicago. However, after a strong training camp by the rookie, it’s becoming public knowledge that Sanders’ talent clearly trumps the rest of the backs.

He’s more elusive, one of the better pass catchers, and overall just stands out above the rest when the ball is in his hands. Many believe Sanders will surpass Howard and the rest of the backfield in 2019 — but the one factor that could prevent that from happening has nothing to do with Sanders’ playmaking abilities. Rather, it has to do with his ability to block.

Pass protection is key in the Eagles offense

This year, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is under a lot of pressure. After missing time in 2017 and 2018, the Eagles franchise quarterback has a goal of remaining healthy for 16 games for only the second time in four years. Knowing how pass-happy Pederson can get when calling the plays, the Birds need to ensure Wentz is protected at all costs.

Sure, the offensive line will be vital in keeping Wentz healthy, but the running backs surely aren’t off the hook in this case. Aside from Darren Sproles, the Eagles backfield in 2018 struggled tremendously in pass protection. Fortunately, Jordan Howard excelled in that department while with the Bears.

Miles Sanders, on the other hand, needs work in that department. Can Sanders improve his blocking over time? Sure, but it will be a work in progress. This year, the Eagles are a win-now team, so there’s not much room for trial and error.

Knowing that Howard is already decent in that department, we can most likely expect him to obtain those reps in an offense that likes to let it fly. Sanders might be the best back in the room, but his lack of pass protecting abilities will be the factor that most likely cuts into his reps, leaving the veteran Jordan Howard as the snap-percentage leader of the Eagles backfield.