Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell: Breakout Star at Camp?
With training camp set to roll, the Philadelphia Eagles enter with very few questions on the offensive side of the ball.
However, the departure of their starting Pro Bowl running back, Miles Sanders, who joined the Carolina Panthers this offseason, has created a void at the running back position.
In an effort to address the vacancy left by Sanders, the Eagles brought in D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny. Despite these additions, some have high expectations for running back Kenneth Gainwell.
CBS Sports predicted every breakout player for each team and slotted the Memphis product as their choice for the Eagles. The site believes that Gainwell's exceptional receiving ability could lead to a significant increase in his production this season.
"His career highs are just 68 carries and 101 touches, but if things break right he could double that this year. Given how efficient he's been (especially as a pass-catcher), that would lead to a nice bump in production." CBS Sports writes.
During his two-year NFL career, Gainwell has shown flashes that he could be a capable starting running back in the NFL. However, during the Eagles' playoff run this past season, Gainwell stepped up, specifically in the NFC Divisional Round against the New York Giants. Gainwell rushed for 112 yards and one touchdown, helping the Eagles trounce the Giants 38-7.
As the Eagles aim to maintain the same production level out of the backfield following the departure of Sanders, it becomes crucial for Gainwell to step up and fill that void. It will be vital to the Eagles' success in the upcoming season if they can replicate Sanders's production.
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