3 Thoughts on realistic expectations for Eagles RB Miles Sanders in Year 2

Here’s a quick history lesson and a realistic expectation for 2020.

Imagine the possibility of showing up as a coach for a football game, and your running backs are Miles Sanders and Saquon Barkley. That’s a feather that James Frankin had in his cap at one of NCAA football’s most storied programs from 2016 to 2017.

Heck, if you threw in a B-plus running back or fullback, the Penn State Nittany Lions could have literally run the triple-option or the old “wishbone” offense and won 11 games easily, with their only loss potentially coming at the hands of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Once Sanders took over the starting duties in “Happy Valley”, he racked up 1,274 yards on 217 carries, 139 yards on 24 receptions, and nine rushing touchdowns throughout 13 games.

After heading for the greener pastures of the NFL, in year one with Philly, 193 totes and 53 receptions throughout 16 regular-season games and one playoff game led to 887 rushing yards and 517 receiving yards respectively. Sanders finished his rookie season as a professional with six trips to the end zone while sharing snaps with Jordan Howard and Boston Scott.

Now, as Philadelphia’s clear-cut starter, he’ll get more touches as both a runner and receiver. He’s the guy now. He’s at the top of the depth chart. Pencil him in for about 1,000 yards rushing and another 600 yards receiving. That’s a pretty fair expectation. Here’s why.