Panthers’ Miles Sanders looks forward after ‘crazy’ season

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Running back Miles Sanders' first season as a Carolina Panther was underwhelming with 432 yards and a touchdown on 129 carries after losing the starting position to Chuba Hubbard.

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear beat Tampa Bay defenders to the left edge and cut back for a 28-yard touchdown run.

The celebration didn’t last long.

As Blackshear darted nearly the entire length of the end zone and then headed toward the sideline, the second-year professional learned of the play-nullifying penalty: illegal formation.
Blackshear tossed the ball in frustration.

Who was the first teammate standing ready to embrace Blackshear? Miles Sanders, perhaps the one player who symbolizes the Panthers’ lost season, which ended with Sunday’s 9-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at a half-filled Bank of America Stadium.

The Buccaneers captured the NFC South title, while the Panthers, who were shut out the last two outings, fell to an NFL-worst 2-15.

“That’s the story of our season,” Sanders said.  

Sanders not ‘too comfortable’

Standing at his locker following another disappointing performance, Sanders was asked what, if anything, he could take away from his first season with the Panthers.  

“Umm,” he said, pausing for nearly 10 seconds and looking to his left. “I don’t know, it’s a hard one.  Just don’t get too comfortable. For me, personally, yeah, just don’t get too comfortable. I’ll just say that.”

After Chuba Hubbard scampered for 12 yards on the second play of the Panthers’ opening series, the starting running back was replaced by Blackshear for two plays, highlighted by a 6-yard run.
Sanders also remained on the sidelines for the second series, another five-play possession. For much of the time, Sanders stood holding both hands behind his back.

On the second play of the second quarter, Sanders took his first touch, scampering for 13 yards. He finished with 18 yards on three attempts. Over the final four games, Sanders compiled just 33 yards on 13 carries.

Signed in the offseason to be RB1, Sanders’ role has dwindled each week. For nine games, Sanders’ number was called for eight or fewer rushing attempts. Three times he had just two carries. This from a player who signed a four-year, four-year, $25.4 million contract last offseason. The deal bucked an NFL trend of teams shying away from awarding lucrative long-term deals to running backs.

A 2019 second-round draft pick from Penn State, Sanders was viewed as a proven offensive asset who would take pressure off rookie quarterback Bryce Young. In his contract year, Sanders earned his money with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning his first Pro Bowl nod after gaining a career-best 1,269 yards.

This season, Sanders ended with just 432 yards on 129 carries and one TD.

‘There are going to be some changes made’

Is Sanders’ future in Charlotte?

The troubles with the Panthers’ season run deep, from ownership to the roster. From their turnstile at both guard positions to underwhelming performances by both tackles, Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton, to wide receivers struggling to get open, to Young failing to generate momentum with off-schedule plays. The Panthers produced just 236 points this season, the second fewest in franchise history.

Sanders understands the business side of the NFL.

“There are going to be some changes made,” he said.  

Does Sanders still believe his future remains in Charlotte?

“My contract says four years,” he said. “This was a crazy season, you know, a lot of stuff going on.  We’ll see how it plays out.”

If the Panthers cut Sanders, the team would carry $8.5 million in dead money. If they wait until 2025, the cap hit dwindles to $2.95 million.

Offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, an ex-running back, understands the demands of the position and its challenges.

“I’m not going to say it hasn’t been tough for him,” Brown said earlier in the week. “He’s obviously a competitive player, very talented football player. Comes to work every single day, so continue to try to find ways to get him involved in the game plan.”

When he wasn’t involved, like Sunday, Sanders remained focused on his teammates. When Blackshear needed a lift after his touchdown run was called back, Sanders was the first to offer support.

“I didn’t notice the flag until his reaction,” Sanders said. “It was one of those moments where ... he was real down. He kinda just wanted one touchdown rush for the year, but, you know, stuff like that happens.  It’s hard to get over, but I just told him, just keep grinding.

“It doesn’t mean much, but that run is still on tape. It just doesn’t count.”

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