Way-too-early bold predictions for Eagles RB Miles Sanders in 2022

Miles Sanders enjoys a season free of fumbles. The drops are another story.

Any discussions about reasonable expectations and/or bold predictions always cause debate, but they’re often birthed out of evidence that’s already present. Some were surprised by Sanders’ off-year in 2021. Others weren’t. In terms of the latter grouping, they point to concerns that began growing in his sophomore campaign.

Firmly entrenched as the Eagles starting running back after Duce Staley and Doug Pederson had determined he was ready for the ‘full load’ (remember, in year one, he, at times, split much of the workload with Jordan Howard before Howard’s injury), Miles had his moments. Unfortunately, however, he dropped passes that were thrown his way (he was credited with seven drops in 2020, two leading to interceptions). He also killed three drives with four fumbles.

We’ve said all of that to say this. Though he’s proven that he can be effective in the passing game, Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell are a little more sure-handed and could be utilized more often in the dual-threat role. We won’t sit here and promise you that Sanders will suddenly develop soft hands, but what we can tell you is this. We don’t think the fumbles are a major issue.

Yes, he coughed the ball up too often in 2020. He put the ball on the field twice in 2019 and only once in 2021. In year four, he puts it all together.

We’re calling it now, Miles Sanders will enjoy a full season without fumbling the ball once during the 2022-2023 season (we hope).