Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders will battle daily for top-dog status in the Philadelphia Eagles backfield, but recent stats suggest that the Birds can just split the carries based on down and distance. Howard and Sanders both are effective on first and second downs, with the former Penn State running back likely to share the role of a third-down back with Darren Sproles.
We know based on Howard’s production over the past three years in Chicago, that he’ll be a factor in the running game and definitely will be the go-to running back for the Eagles on short-yardage and red-zone situations. Over the past three seasons, only Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley have accounted for more rushing yards from scrimmage.
Even more, tantalizing for the Eagles is this stat. Over the past two seasons, only Todd Gurley and Alvin Kamara have more rushing touchdowns than Howard’s 18 amassed in Chicago. According to Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, Howard is among the top-10 running backs when it comes to carries inside the 10-yard line.
The Eagles simply need to give Howard 12-15 touches per game and the bulk of the carries inside the 15-yard line and beyond. Sanders will handle third downs, while also being dynamic enough to share the backfield with Howard or split out in the slot as a receiver.
