Can Miles Sanders Bounce Back in 2024?

Miles Sanders landed the biggest contract of any free agent running back last offseason, but it turned out to be a massive disappointment for the Carolina Panthers. Sanders lost out on the starting job by Week 6 to Chuba Hubbard and never regained control of it.

Sanders finished the 2023 season rushing for 432 yards, averaging 3.3 yards on 129 carries - all career lows. This is coming off a season in which he posted career highs across the board in his Super Bowl run with the Philadelphia Eagles, going for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns on 259 rushing attempts. 

Sanders was honest with his performance all year to the media and at season's end he publicly voiced his frustration in a post on Instagram, stating that he's "pissed off."

I'm not here to make excuses for Sanders' lack of production, but let's be honest, no one in that offense played well last season, nor did they have a chance to. The coaching staff wasn't on the same page, they lacked an identity, and the injuries up front surely didn't help matters.

During his four years in Philadelphia, Sanders proved he's capable of being a dynamic back. He averaged 927 yards per season on the ground and 235.5 in the passing game. Assuming the Panthers address the offensive line this offseason in addition to guys like Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen getting healthy, it's not a stretch to think that Sanders can return to form, especially with a coaching staff that will be aligned.

Chuba Hubbard received a lot of praise for the work he did and rightfully so. In the final month of the season, he turned a corner and went over 80 yards in four of the last six games. However, he still averaged only 3.8 per carry which isn't much of an improvement over Sanders' 3.3. It's too early to give up hope on Sanders in Carolina, although I don't think it would hurt if the Panthers added a third back that brings some physicality to the table and can take care of the short yardage situations.

ou can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on X:

Facebook - @PanthersOnSI

X - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.