It’s no secret that one of the massive concerns with the Eagles this season has been their unwillingness to run the football. The number of designated handoffs to Miles Sanders has been minimal, with constant reassuring from the coaching staff that they will change their ways. 

Once again this week, Nick Sirianni took the blame for this and claimed there’s “no doubt” that Miles needs more carries. It’s downright criminal how this football team refuses to establish the run consistently. Philly has a very good 1-2 tandem with Sanders and rookie Kenneth Gainwell, but they are often ignored. 

For reference, Miles Sanders had 164 carries last season through 12 games, and fans attacked Doug Pederson relentlessly for it. This season Sanders is on pace for 162 carries through 17 games. Getting even fewer carries in more games makes zero sense from every standpoint. It’s not like the Eagles don’t have a run game. In fact, they’re one of the best in the NFL this season.

Through six games, the Eagles have the fifth-fewest rushing attempts in the NFL, with 132 carries. But yet, Philadelphia has the second-most yards per carry in the league with 5.2. The Eagles only trail the Browns, who average 5.3 yards. Miles Sanders is 32nd in the NFL in carries with 57 attempts. 

Derrick Henry, the top rusher in the NFL, has nearly three times as many rushing attempts as Miles Sanders this season. At the same time, Henry averages just .1 YPC more than the Eagles running back. There is not a single statistic that backs up Nick Sirianni’s line of thinking, and this mindset is only hurting the development of their starting quarterback.

Many are looking at Las Vegas as the opportunity for a fresh start on offense this week. Vegas has one of the worst rushing defenses in football, letting up 130 yards per game and dealing with several injuries. There is not a single excuse for Nick Sirianni not to attempt to legitimately establish the run this weekend. 

Miles Sanders and Kenny Gainwell are good at their job. Feed them the football, set up the play-action, and get Jalen Hurts comfortable. Running the ball is a win-win for everyone. It shouldn’t have to be spelled out like this for Sirianni to implement it. Hopefully, we will see a far improved game plan when the Eagles take the field Sunday afternoon.

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