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The Philadelphia Eagles have Super Bowl aspirations and although the bulk of the conversation on offense centers around Carson Wentz, Miles Sanders could end up being the horse that makes everything flow.
Sanders has MVP aspirations and despite starting off his rookie season with some uncertainty as a runner, the former Penn State star looked like a seasoned pro by seasons end, carrying the Birds into the playoffs.
He’ll be needed again to help carry the load and Bleacher Report agrees, naming Sanders as the Eagles best building block entering the 2020 NFL season.
Philadelphia Eagles: RB Miles Sanders
In May, Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders sent some eyebrows skyward when he used the term “MVP year” to describe the upcoming campaign.
“My confidence is through the roof and I know what I can do for this team,” Sanders then tweeted. “I ain’t apologizing for saying that, just don’t be surprised when it happen!”
To call Sanders a long shot to win the award is an understatement. But it’s not a reach to say he could be the most important offensive weapon that quarterback Carson Wentz has at his disposal.
As a rookie, Sanders burst into prominence down the stretch for the Eagles. Over the last five weeks of the regular season, he topped 100 total yards three times. Sanders averaged 4.6 yards per carry, caught 50 passes and topped 1,300 total yards.
Without that late-season outburst, the Eagles would not have won the NFC East.
The numbers from Sanders rookie year and the offensive additions suggest that the former Penn State star should have a monster 2020 season.
Sanders amassed 1,327 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns as a rookie while splitting time with Jordan Howard. After Howard left the lineup with a pinched nerve, Sanders flourished, mixing explosive plays in with tough running.
Sanders led the Eagles in rushing as a rookie, racking up 818 rushing yards with three TDs on 179 total carries. Sanders did his best work down the stretch in the passing game.
The Eagles rookie had 50 receptions for 509 yards and another three scores while leading the Birds in explosive plays.
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