PHILADELPHIA — Just a few days into the training camp. Eagles Running back Miles Sanders He was asked his motivation going into the fourth NFL season.
“Just [to] He said, “Get the respect that you finally deserve.” “That’s all.”
Sanders’ comments came after reports that he had been working with the second team offense earlier in the week. This was a fact that wasn’t too significant, but it did come on the heels. As the starter for the season, Sanders is believed to be the running back. Coach Nick Sirianni stated that this was simply the way the running backs rotation fell that day. But the more that the comment was taken away from its source, the more meaning it acquired.
Sanders noticed. The next day, Sanders opened practice by cutting off a long run. Sirianni laughed and said, “He’s with the ones!” Following practice, Sanders broke off another huge gain — legs churning with arms pumping and possibly a hint of steam coming from his ears — and concluded it by pointing at the crowd where some of the media were gathered and offering some words that were just too far away to be heard. It was probably for the best.
There is no doubt that Sanders will have an advantage entering the 2022 season. This year, Sanders also has a contract. It was something we should have expected. He stated that he was not satisfied with the way he played and his availability in May.
Sanders finished last season with 754 yards rushing, zero touchdowns and 26 receptions for 168 yard. His production has been limited by injuries over the last couple of years. Five games were lost to him last season due to an ankle injury and a broken wrist. It couldn’t have happened at a worse time. On Oct. 24, he was injured in an early game against the Las Vegas Raiders The week after the coaches made their first adjustments to their offensive approach to be more run-heavy, it was also the same week. Sanders was a rookie and missed three games. Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott Jordan HowardAs well as the quarterback and catalyst Jalen HurtsYou took advantage.
Sanders has always been focused on staying healthy over the past months. Sanders, 25, split his offseason training time between Houston and Pittsburgh. He adopted a holistic approach and did more muscle cardio and whole-body workouts. He stated that he has been spending more time in Eagles’ training rooms this spring and summer, rather than only coming in when his body is hurting.
Gainwell stated that he could see the strength in Gainwell’s arms and legs. Gainwell said, “He came into the year ready to play ball, ready for his job.”
When asked about Sanders’ summer, Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator, replied “Explosiveness” “We know he’s an explosive player, but even in individual, the way he’s running, he’s running hard, he’s taking care of the football, he’s hitting it, he’s seeing it well. He did a few plays yesterday where he leap-cut through the line and hit it. It was great to see.
Since Sanders’ arrival in Philadelphia, the 53rd pick in the 2019 NFL Draft from Penn State, the talent has been obvious. He broke the franchise record for rookie rushing yards (818), and he also led his class in all-purpose yards (1 641). He ranks third among runners backs in yards per run (5.08) since 2019, after only 300 attempts. Nick Chubb (5.34) Jonathan Taylor (5.28).
It’s the consistency, especially as a pass-catcher, and the availability that’s been lacking.
It is time to get it all done. Gainwell, who was the fifth round pick of the team in 2021, had an impressive rookie campaign, with 544 yards and six touchdowns. Gainwell’s chances of winning could be increased if Sanders gets hurt or does not perform up to his expectations.
“Kenny’s a great player. Last year, he made some major-time plays. Hits the hole, can catch the ball well and runs the ball well. Hurts said that he does an excellent job. “I’ve seen his attitude change and his mindset shift since I came in. I know he is hungry, and I love having a hungry team member, so I’m excited for him to get on board this year.
Then there’s Sanders’ rookie contract that expires at the end the year. He could be offered a new contract during the season, similar to the tight end. Dallas GoedertCornerback Avonte Maddox Both defensive and offensive end Josh Sweat It was enough to keep them out of free agency last year, but it might take a strong performance to convince the Eagles that they will allocate large dollars to a position that’s been generally undervalued leaguewide in recent seasons.
Sanders stated earlier in the offseason that he is not worried about the contract as much as he thinks he should. “I just want to keep the focus on the season and less about the contract and all that stuff.”
The stakes are high: A successful play will result in a large payday, regardless of where it is located. Any less, and the outcome is more uncertain.
The storyline will continue throughout the season. Sanders is running with purpose and impressing his coaches this summer.
“Hitting the hole. Making plays. Bursting,” Hurts said of the things he’s seen in Sanders. “We have charts that show the fastest speeds you can hit and he is up there every time. He is hitting the hole. He’s also hungry. He is ready to go.