Positive traits the Eagles can help Miles Sanders build upon in 2022
The first and third quarters are typically when Miles Sanders shines. Might we be on to something?
On five different occasions, Miles Sanders has taken a handoff from his quarterback and rewarded his team’s faith in him with a run of 50 yards or more. Guess when he’s had his the most success. If you answered by stating he’s been phenomenal in the first and third quarters of games, here’s an air high-five.
Sanders produced 74-yard highlight-reel moments versus two of the toughest teams in the AFC North in 2020, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He burned the Ravens with a 74-yard scamper in Week 6. He fumbled that one, but Philly was fortunate. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, ‘The Enforcer’, pounced on that one in the end zone for six points.
Sanders also burned the Steelers one week prior with another 74-yarder in the first quarter. He’d score the touchdown in that one.
Perhaps Miles Sanders’ biggest run of his career came in 2019 versus the Buffalo Bills when the Eagles needed a big play the most. During a game still in doubt at the time, Number 26 took a handoff from Carson Wentz and took flight for a 65-yard touchdown run in the third quarter of an eventual blowout 31-13 win versus the Buffalo Bills.
Miles has rushed for 705 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter of games during his career. He’s added 703 yards and two touchdowns to his professional resume during the third quarter of games. He likes to start fast in the first and second half. Unfortunately, during the fourth quarter, his production takes a hit (387 yards and one touchdown in three NFL seasons).
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Might we be on to something? Would it be wise to allow him to ‘set the table’ so to speak and allow Philly’s other talented runners to serve the main course (and or dessert)? It’s a thought. It may also be wise to give Keneth Gainwell the third-down snaps. Perhaps you’ve noticed, but he’s the better receiver and better in blitz pickup/blocking.
As training camp starts, fans hope that Sanders can put everything together this year and show some consistency. If he does so, he’ll return to his rightful place as one of the more talented running backs in the NFL.