Miles Sanders sits out preseason opener as Eagles avoid tipping hand on run offense

[time2rock]

Miles Sanders sits out preseason opener as Eagles avoid tipping hand on run offense

 

There was a reason the Eagles didn't run very much in their preseason opener

 

By Jeff Kerr

 

Aug 13, 2021 at 5:19 pm ET1 min read

 

 

 

 

Getty

Miles Sanders was an interesting scratch for the Philadelphia Eagles in their preseason opener against the Steelers, especially since his absence from Thursday's game wasn't health-related. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni simply didn't want to risk playing a back who's going to be a vital part of his offense this year. 

"We just felt like we have seen him, we know what he is, we know that we're excited about him," Sirianni said after the Eagles' 24-16 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. "We're really excited about him, wanting to be keep him fresh and we'll re-evaluate and look at next week and if he'll play next week."

Jordan Howard ended up starting the game for the Eagles, but only played five snaps in the contest. Boston Scott only played five snaps in the loss, while Kenneth Gainwell led all the backs with 19. Kerryon Johnson recorded just eight snaps. Overall, the Eagles called 29 pass plays to just 11 run plays, so the running game was virtually nonexistent. 

Sirianni doesn't want to tip his hand with anything the Eagles are doing this preseason, explaining it's an "advantage" other teams don't have tape on what Philadelphia is running.

"To say we're going to show everything Thursday or the following preseason game or the following preseason games, it's just not going to be the case," Sirianni said earlier this week. "That's an advantage that we have that other staffs don't."

As for Sanders not playing? He was fine with being a healthy scratch for the preseason opener. The Eagles need him for the games that count, anyway. 

"I explained to him, talked to him. His running back coach Jemal [Singleton] talked to him. We thought it was best for the team that he sat that one out," Sirianni said. "He had a couple big runs against Pittsburgh last year, right? So, his people in Pittsburgh saw those big runs last year."

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/miles-sanders-sits-out-preseason-opener-as-eagles-avoid-tipping-hand-on-run-offense/?fbclid=IwAR2ACMoPaHBqvSS2lYfHeIsCLzYYT-P-YmmE2wp_1AHm-udisKuU9pxT7gc

[slick1234]

Playing Sanders  or not it really doesn't matter. Since he has trouble catching the ball the only thing to worry about is his running which the league has seen for two years. If he was a good receiver than you could put him in various positions and give the opposition something to think about. 

[UK_EaglesFan89]

10 hours ago, slick1234 said:

Playing Sanders  or not it really doesn't matter. Since he has trouble catching the ball the only thing to worry about is his running which the league has seen for two years. If he was a good receiver than you could put him in various positions and give the opposition something to think about. 

The good thing for this team now is that if Sanders drop issues continue then they have Scott and Gainwell (hopefully) who can be that receiving back. They have a number of options which is a good place o be.