Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell saw a little bit of playing time last year and looked good doing it. He was just overshadowed by more experienced running backs, such as Miles Sanders, Boston Scott and Jordan Howard. As of now, Gainwell is second on the depth in front of Scott according to ESPN. Sanders will obviously be the starting running back this coming season. This article will look at the production Gainwell gave last season, what makes him good as a running back and if he will get more playing time.
How Gainwell did last season?
Gainwell started one game last season but did some work as a backup throughout the year. He had 68 rushes for 291 yards and five touchdowns. His longest rush of the year was for 18 yards. Furthermore, the Eagles running back also did some damage through the air. He had 253 receiving yards and one touchdown. He averaged 7.7 yards per reception and his longest reception was 19 yards. Overall, this was a pretty good season for Gainwell who did not get as much action as the other running backs did. The Eagles made a great pick in the 5th round of the draft the last year.
What does he do well as a running back?
Gainwell is on the small side for a running back as he is 5-foot-9 and weighs 200 pounds. He has quickness and vision to find the holes within the line scrimmages. He is not going to truck a lot of guys as he is not a bruising type of running back like Howard. Gainwell is also good as a pass-catcher, which is a key attribute to have in today’s NFL. He is mostly used in the short passing game and has brought the Eagles some good production. He will get most of yardage in the air but after the catch, which is not surprising for a running back.
Photo courtesy of Lori M. Nichols/ NJ Advance Media
A good aspect looking at his first year is that he scored points as a third-stringer for the Eagles. Five touchdowns is not too shabby for only 68 touches on the ground. The only negative part is that he did fumble a couple times throughout the season, which can be improved upon, but he was a rookie and was going to have hiccups.
Will he get more playing time?
Gainwell did give his expectations of next season to Josh Tolentino of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Gainwell stated “that I’m trying to into year two and go crazy”.
As for playing time, as said above, ESPN has him as a second string running back for next season. This of course is not set and stone and is just a projection at this point. If Gainwell has a good training camp and shows out during his preseason games, then this second-string position on the roster is his. No matter what though, it would only benefit the Eagles to use him more in 2022. Kenneth Gainwell also showed more than enough last season to have earn more time on the field and respect on this Eagles roster. This is another exciting player on this Eagles roster that fans are eager to see do good come next season.
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