Philadelphia Eagles: Expectations for what’s left of Kenneth Gainwell’s year

Expected statistical output for Philadelphia Eagles rookie Kenneth Gainwell

Here’s a look at Gainwell’s stat line after the first week of the NFL regular season: the aforementioned 25 snaps, 37 yards on nine carries, a 4.11 yards-per-rush average, two receptions on three targets, and one rushing touchdown.

From that, we gather that the Philadelphia Eagles coaching staff wants to involve him in both the running and passing game. Using nothing other than some good old-fashioned addition and multiplication (and some film to watch), here are our predictions for what his stat line might look like after year one.

Don’t expect him to break the Eagles’ rookie franchise record for all-purpose yards and rushing yards, records that are held by Miles Sanders with marks of 1,327 yards and 818 yards respectively, especially with Miles in the fold. Still, if he hovers around ten carries per game and averages three catches or so, with that 4.11 yards-per-carry average, we’ll slot him at about 160 carries for the remainder of the season.

That will give him about 656 yards rushing. We’ll subtract 150 yards or so for an off day and maybe one where Miles gets the hot hand or stays in the game longer. We’re also calling for about 300 yards receiving. If that’s how things turn out, especially for Philadelphia’s second-string running back, you won’t hear any complaints from Birds fans.

It’s going to be fun to watch this young man grow up in an Eagles jersey. As mentioned earlier, Philadelphia got a steal in Round 5.