Thunder and Lightning: Eagles dual rushing attack could be special
The Philadelphia Eagles may have something special in ‘Thunder and Lightning’.
The Philadelphia Eagles backfield exploded for over 170 yards on Thursday Night Football. Their two-headed rushing attack, one that includes the veteran Jordan Howard and rookie Miles Sanders could be a special one moving forward.
Let’s go back in time slightly. Philly’s rushing game had been one of the teams’ more confusing and frustrating units through the first three weeks of the 2019 season. On Thursday night, the Eagles flipped the switch and let the horses run free against the Green Bay Packers. They were rewarded with a victory for that decision.
The combination of free-agent acquisition Howard and Sanders must have felt like a storm versus a stout Packers defense. It’s a combination that the Eagles will be wise to continue to rely on moving forward.
Howard brought the thunder, crashing his way through the Packers’ defensive line with blunt force and power. His game against a former rival represented a smash spot for the former Chicago Bears running back, and he relished each opportunity to tote the rock against Green Bay.
Howard ended the game with three total touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving), and he notched well over 100 yards of total offense. In a must-win scenario, Howard showed the type of difference-maker he can be.
Sanders was the lightning. He quickly cut his way into the Green Bay secondary repeatedly and showed out in the special teams game as well. The former Penn State standout had the best game of his young career on Thursday night, going for seventy-two yards on just eleven carries.
Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice shared some insight on just how special Sanders believes this tandem can be. Take a look.
Miles Sanders on himself and Jordan Howard: “He brings the power, I bring the speed.”
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) September 27, 2019
The rising star held on to the ball, eliminated the turnover issues he had in the week prior, and ran with an urgency both to the inside and outside when called upon.
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With these two backs heating up, Philadelphia finds itself in a prime spot to establish their identity as a diverse rushing offense. This team has a new life with an upset road victory over Green Bay, and they are coming home in Week 5 to face what could be a winless New York Jets team at Lincoln Financial Field. The forecast may be beautiful in ten days for all we know, but one thing is certain. There could be a chance of thunderstorms for the foreseeable future.