Philadelphia Eagles: Could Miles Sanders actually win MVP?
By David Esser
Could Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Miles Sanders make a push for the MVP award in 2020?
Earlier this offseason, Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders posted a video on his Instagram claiming that he was gearing up for a “MVP year” in his second season. The post made the rounds on social media, and fans were quick to point out that Sanders was likely making a playful jest. However, Sanders later jumped on Twitter to double down on his MVP comments:
“My confidence is through the roof and I know what I can do for this team, I ain’t apologizing for saying that, just don’t be surprised when it happen!”
Sanders had a seriously impressive rookie season in 2019, especially during the second half of the year. Despite only starting in eleven games. Sanders finished the season with 818 rushing yards, 509 receiving yards, 50 receptions, and six total touchdowns. He had the 16th most scrimmage yards in the NFL and recorded one of the highest catch rates in the league at 79.4%.
More from Section 215
- 4 Eagles on the Bubble Who Have Clinched Their 53-Man Roster Spots
- Best Pennsylvania Sportsbook Promos: Win $650 GUARANTEED Bonus PLUS $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- 3 Punters the Eagles Must Target to Replace Arryn Siposs
- Cowboys Trey Lance Trade Proves How Screwed They Are With Dak Prescott
- Devon Allen Took Britain Covey’s Job on Eagles
Sanders turned into a crucial piece in the Eagles offense down the stretch in 2019, especially once former RB Jordan Howard went down to a shoulder injury. Between weeks 13 and 17, Sanders actually averaged over 20 touches per game. He recorded four of his six TDs during this stretch as he and Carson Wentz led the Eagles into the playoffs.
Earlier this offseason, Carolina Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey received the biggest contract extension ever handed out to a running back, and Sanders saw that as a point of inspiration. Citing that he wanted to become an elite “dual threat” out of the backfield just like CMC, Sanders set the bar quite high for himself heading into 2020.
Sanders broke the Eagles’ rookie rushing record in 2019, and will likely break another record or two this upcoming season. He’s shown serious flashes of being an elite two-way back, despite having to split snaps for the majority of his rookie campaign.
When it comes to winning the MVP award in 2020, it’s hard to pin Sanders as a legit favorite. The award has almost exclusively become a QB accolade in recent years (Adrian Peterson in 2012 was the last non-QB to win it), and players like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are geared up for dominant seasons this fall.
McCaffery put up close to 2,400 scrimmage yards last season, and still wasn’t really considered for the award.
Next. Philadelphia Eagles: Yannick Ngakoue trade talks are likely finished. dark
Even if Sanders doesn’t end 2020 as a MVP candidate, his sophomore season will almost surely go down as a success. He’s been training extremely hard this offseason, meeting up with teammates like Jalen Hurts and DeSean Jackson down in Florida. The Philadelphia Eagles have also yet to add another RB to the roster, meaning Sanders is currently expected to carry a majority of the load.