The Dallas Cowboys made an unpopular decision to make Jaydon Blue a healthy scratch Thursday night against the Philadelphia Eagles. It seemed that Blue would star in a committee with veteran signee Javonte Williams, who exceeded expectations in his Cowboys debut.
It stands to reason that the Cowboys didn't want to expose Blue's healing ankle to the stormy conditions in Philly. Whatever influenced the call, it promoted Miles Sanders to the backup role and that backfired spectacularly in the third quarter when Sanders fumbled with Dallas on Philly's doorstep trailing 24-20.
To call Sanders' fumble back-breaking would be an understatement. For a veteran who should be on shaky ground with Blue waiting in the wings, Sanders has to ride the bench next week.
Cowboys have to bench Miles Sanders after Week 1 dud vs. Eagles
It was a tough break for Sanders, who broke free up the sideline for a 49-yard run a few plays earlier to get the offense within striking distance. Of course, everyone will only remember the fumble because it was the turning point in a game the Cowboys ultimately lost by one possession, 24-20.
You can never assume the future in the NFL, but at the rate Dak Prescott was moving the ball you would have liked the Cowboys' chances to finish that drive with seven points. At the very least, Brandon Aubrey kicks a short field goal and it's a one-point score with plenty of ballgame left.
Regardless, Sanders and Blue have to swap places next week. Blue's ankle will have an extra week to heal up and Dallas will be back home in the friendly dome confines of AT&T Stadium.
Not that it matters now, but Blue would have scored on Sanders' 49-yard scamper. Sanders' lack of explosion was evident on the run as he was caught by Eagles linebacker Zack Baun. In most circumstances, you wouldn't give an inside LB a chance to win a sprint against a running back.
Fumbling was a concern for Blue coming out of Texas, but it hasn’t been an issue during training camp or the preseason. If a veteran like Sanders can’t protect the football in key moments, what’s stopping Dallas from unleashing Blue? He’s more explosive and simply the better player.
This should be an easy call.