The Eagles are heading into another game against a top-rated defense. While the offense did take several steps in the right direction, there has been some growing concern in the run game. People have debated that Miles Sanders has struggled this season, especially against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sanders broke off a huge run for 74 yards and only had 6 additional yards in 10 more carries, scoring a second touchdown in the process. After watching the game again, there’s something that everyone is overlooking. In almost every run attempt, Sanders was met by the Steelers defensive line the moment that he was handed the ball. So how could you fault Sanders for a poor game when the offensive line didn’t hold up?
Time and time again, from Wentz to Miles, the offensive line was unable to hold back pressure consistently. Sanders used that to his advantage on the 3rd and 9 run that he broke for a touchdown as he made multiple defenders miss. He shouldn’t be a cause for concern at all. The second-year back has 316 rushing yards in only 4 games so far. He’s also averaging 5.1 yards per carry which is phenomenal.
He’s currently ranked 5th in the NFL for rushing yards per game with three touchdowns on the season. He’s currently on pace to finish the season with 1,185 rushing yards which would make him the first Eagles running back since LeSean McCoy to pass 1,000 rushing yards.
It’s also worth noting that teams are playing Sanders differently this year, something he told NBCS Philly this past week, mentioning the aggression and focus of defense who are meeting him at the edge after seeing what he can do in open space.
The only concerning part of his game right now is the receiving portion as it seems Sanders and Wentz are still trying to their timing together. Once that arrives, I’m sure Sanders will finish the year with over 1,600 total scrimmage yards but for now, Miles is doing all he can with a very inconsistent offensive line blocking for him. It’ll be up to Doug Pederson to get creative in getting Miles Sanders into open space.
Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire
