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Former NFL RB names Panthers' Miles Sanders as 30th-best starting running back in league

profilephotocropby:Suzanne Halliburton•08/25/23•

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miles sanders
Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports

Miles Sanders enjoyed a break-through season in 2022. Playing in the same backfield with Jalen Hurts did wonders for the running back’s stat line.

The Panthers signed Sanders, the former Penn State star, in March. And he’ll be in the same backfield as Bryce Young, the former Alabama star, Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 pick of this year’s draft.

The question in regards to Miles Sanders is whether last year, and his 1,269 yards, were an aberration or the start of a trend. Maurice Jones-Drew, who won an NFL rushing title 12 years ago, ranked started running backs from 1 to 32 for NFL.com. Jones-Drew placed Sanders at No. 30. The only two backs who fell lower on the list were Buffalo’s James Cook and Arizona’s James Conner.

Here’s why Jones-Drew ranked Miles Sanders where he did:

“Sanders should probably be higher on this list, but to be honest, I’m not entirely sure what this offense looks like with Frank Reich calling plays for Bryce Young. Sanders had career highs in all major rushing categories in 2022 with the Eagles, but prior to last year, he had never rushed for 900 yards in a season.”

Miles Sanders played in a Super Bowl last season and was the starting running back for the Eagles. The Panthers signed him to a free agent deal in the off season. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Panthers hopeful that Miles Sanders 2022 season was no fluke

Miles Sanders ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing last season. He’s played in the NFL since the Eagles selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the third running back off the board behind Alabama’s Josh Jacobs and David Montgomery of Iowa State.

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Last season was his first 1,000-yard achievement. In addition, he added 148 yards and a touchdown during the Eagles three playoff games.

And now he’s playing for the Panthers. Sanders strained his groin early in camp and missed the first two preseason games. However, he started practicing with no limitations this week. He’s healthy enough that coach Frank Reich is considering playing Sanders against the Lions in Friday night’s preseason finale.

Carolina running backs coach Duce Staley, loves what Miles Sanders can do. (He probably shook his head at the Jones-Drew rankings).

“Miles has the dog inside of him that I love,” said Staley, a running back in the NFL for 10 years. “His preparation, his focus, just getting back, being able to feel good after suffering that injury was No. 1. He’s been working his butt off to get back in practice first.”

If you’d like to check out the complete 1-to-32, click it here.