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Eagles RB Miles Sanders is no longer in Saquon Barkley’s shadow

By Geoffrey Knox

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 09: Running back Miles Sanders #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the defense of the New York Giants during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 09, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 09: Running back Miles Sanders #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the defense of the New York Giants during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 09, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Eagles running back Miles Sanders isn’t just making a case for the offensive rookie-of-the-year award. He’s proving that he may be the best running back in the NFC East.

This may be a tad childish, but ITI has to beat on our collective chests a little bit. Not too long ago, we made a declaration that made some of you furious. We gave you three reasons why Philadelphia Eagles rookie running back Miles Sanders should be their starting running back at the beginning of the season.

The entire staff was called ‘morons’, and we were cursed out for weeks. Truthfully, it hurt our feelings.

Here we are, a little over four months later, and many of you have landed right where we were four months ago. You can throw Eagles head coach Doug Pederson in that same category. After missing six games with a stinger, Jordan Howard has finally been cleared for contact, but as Coach mentioned, he’ll need to be eased back into things. Sanders will get the start, and that isn’t bad news if you’re a ‘Birds’ fan.

Related Story. James Franklin shows Miles Sanders some love. light

As a matter of fact, it’s time that the entire NFL is put on notice. Miles Sanders is no longer in Saquon Barkley‘s shadow. Philly’s brilliant rookie has earned his respect. So far in 2019, he’s racked up 766 rushing yards, 510 receiving yards, and 314 yards as a kick returner. He now holds the franchise records for rushing yards and all-purpose yards, and Philly still has a game to play in the 2019 regular season.

You may be aware of this by now, but football is a competitive game that’s filled with alpha males. Imagine being named Pennsylvania’s ‘Mr. Football’ during your senior season of high school and becoming a top 25 recruit nationally but at the collegiate level, you’re forced to sit behind an all-world talent.

Related Story. James Franklin on Miles Sanders, Saquon Barkley. light

For Sanders that wasn’t an illustration but a reality. Sanders sat while Barkley shined. Then after earning his shot, he put in work and became a second-round draft selection, but guess what? His former teammate is now a rival. You can’t make this stuff up.

In 2018, Barkley was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018, and he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. That wasn’t by accident, but his good friend is making a case to do the same one season later.

Sanders is no longer in Barkley’s shadow and shouldn’t be. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and after outplaying Ezekiel Elliott in a game that both the Eagles and Dallas Cowboys had to win, we can say something with the utmost confidence.

Next. 3 of this week’s best critiques of Sanders. dark

Sanders isn’t just a solid rookie-of-the-year candidate. He’s showing everyone that he’s just as good as Elliott and Barkley. He’s showing everyone that he may be one of the best running backs in the entire NFL. On another note, is anyone else wondering why the Penn State Nittany Lions didn’t employ more two-back sets?

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