Posted August 5, 20223 yr The one area Gainwell has improved the most Reuben Frank EAGLES INSIDER You hear a lot about the 1-on-1 linemen drills at Eagles training camp, and it’s always a lot of fun to watch those big dudes clash full-speed, head-to-head. But those aren’t the only 1-on-1 drills at camp that are engaging to watch. On Tuesday, linebackers coach Nick Rallis and running backs coach Jemal Singleton put their guys through 1-on-1 blitz-pickup drills, and one of the stars of the show was Kenny Gainwell. The 23-year-old second-year pro stands only 5-foot-9, but he is a solid 200 pounds and, at least judging by his reps at this practice, he’s come a long way when it comes to blitz pickup. Not that he was terrible at it last year. He wouldn’t have gotten 298 offensive snaps as a rookie fifth-round pick if he was. But he looked way more powerful and stout blocking linebackers on Tuesday than he did a year ago. "Man, I’ve come a long way,” Gainwell said after practice. "Coming from Memphis, where it was just zone pickups and things like that where we didn’t have to have a whole lot of man protection up front of the line, and knowing protections, I’ve come a long way from that. "Just working with coach Singleton each every day and learning my points, knowing everything I had to do to take it to the next level to pick up those blocks.” Boston Scott is also very good at blitz pickup. Miles Sanders has gotten better at it. Jason Huntley is still a work in progress. "Practice makes perfect,” Gainwell said. "Handle it on the practice field and take it over to the game field.” Gainwell had a promising 2021 season, becoming only the sixth rookie in Eagles history with 250 yards both rushing and receiving. He also became only the sixth rookie running back league-wide since 1990 with seven offensive touchdowns on 101 or fewer touches. But he knows that none of that means anything if he’s not picking up blitzes and protecting the quarterback. "It’s very important,” he said. "You’ve got to know your protections. If you can’t block, you won’t set foot on that field at all. You give up a blitz, give up a sack on the quarterback, that’s an L. That’s an L for the team.” It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles use Gainwell, who is probably the most complete back on the team when it comes to running, receiving and blocking. Nick Sirianni has made it clear that Sanders will be the bell-cow runner, but when you have a talent like Gainwell, you find ways to use him. Gainwell is the best receiving back on the team. His 33 catches last year are fifth-most ever by an Eagles rookie running back. But he also averaged 4.3 yards per carry, ninth-highest in Eagles history by a rookie running back and fifth-highest among all NFL rookies last year. You heard about Miles Sanders running with the second team? That’s because all the backs need to get reps with the first group. All three are going to play, so they need to get used to practicing with the first unit. "Feel great going into Year 2,” Gainwell said. "I feel comfortable with each and every spot on the field, so I’m taking advantage of my opportunities and whatever comes to me, I’m going to take advantage of it and go. "Be myself, continue to work hard and everything else is just going to fall in line.” https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/eagles-training-camp-2022-one-area-kenny-gainwell-has-improved-most
August 7, 20223 yr If Gainwell really has improved at blocking then he's going to see an increase in snaps this year. I really like Gainwell and think he could be a really good piece of this offense.
August 8, 20223 yr 19 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said: If Gainwell really has improved at blocking then he's going to see an increase in snaps this year. I really like Gainwell and think he could be a really good piece of this offense. Oh, I think Gainwell has a future with the team. Not so sure about Sanders though. Hope I'm wrong, because if I am, he'll prove himself this season, but we'll see.
August 8, 20223 yr On 8/5/2022 at 7:41 AM, PoconoDon said: Gainwell...still the best RB name in the game. And Smallwood was one of the worst.
August 9, 20223 yr This is a "Prove it" year for Sanders. He has yet to suit up a full season. Heck, I do not think he suited up 17 games the past two years combined! That being said, I highly doubt the Eagles will keep him beyond this season.... Just too much of a risk for the dollars he will be asking for...
August 10, 20223 yr On 8/8/2022 at 3:28 AM, Procus said: Oh, I think Gainwell has a future with the team. Not so sure about Sanders though. Hope I'm wrong, because if I am, he'll prove himself this season, but we'll see. I don't think Sanders has a future with this team on the basis he's in a contract year. I think he'll play this year and then leave as a FA. I don't see the Eagles investing at RB.
August 10, 20223 yr Author 5 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said: I don't think Sanders has a future with this team on the basis he's in a contract year. I think he'll play this year and then leave as a FA. I don't see the Eagles investing at RB. Agreed. The only way I see him continuing his career here is if he plays well this year and agrees to a contract that is extremely team friendly. It just doesn't make sense to invest anything more than minimal money at RB these days.
August 23, 20223 yr When I access college RBs coming into the draft, blitz pick up is the 1st skill i look for. Have to be able to protect your franchise QB at all times.
August 23, 20223 yr On 8/5/2022 at 7:41 AM, PoconoDon said: Gainwell...still the best RB name in the game. I mean, I think you're sleeping in his first name, too. Kenny Gainwell? Can He Gain Well? Oh yeah.
August 24, 20223 yr I want to see Gainwell prove that he can be an explosive runner between the tackles while also making people miss in space. His rookie year showed that he was smooth catching the football and precocious with all of the things that young backs often don't do well...pass pro, following blockers, passing game, etc.
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