After a roller coaster of a game, the Eagles were handed their second loss of the season on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field by the Detroit Lions, 27-24. The matchup had its highs and lows for Philadelphia, similarly to rookie running back Miles Sanders' performance.
The Penn State product saw an increased role with a game-high 53 rushing yards on 13 attempts, as well as a team-best 73 yards receiving, including a deep pass only a minute into the game that resulted in a 40-yard gain. This play was the longest one for the Eagles in this contest against the Lions.
Along with his triumphs, the 22-year-old had difficulties securing the ball with two fumbles on a second quarter drive with one that was recovered by Detroit. The lost fumble came about halfway through the period after a 4-yard run and was recovered by Detroit's A'Shawn Robinson. The turnover led to a Lions field goal.
"I'm going to continue to keep working," Sanders said. "I'm not perfect, but it's on to the next game. Just have to keep getting better."
"I just have to put it behind me and keep going. It's a long season, continue to grow. I can't dwell on this. Everybody makes mistakes. I'm in the NFL for a reason. I have a job to do. I'm going to keep working and get better every day."
Head coach Doug Pederson still believes Sanders can help this team win games. Pederson can appreciate what games like this teach someone who only has three games of professional football under their belt.
"We just told him we have a lot of confidence in him, still got a lot of trust in him, and kept him out there," Pederson said. "I thought he sort of rebounded from those in the second half with a couple of nice runs. The kickoff returns were good. It was a learning moment for a young running back. In games like this, we know we have to take care of the ball."
