Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders has picked the right time to have his best season in the NFL. In his walking year, Sanders set career highs in yardage and touchdowns, and helped lead the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl.
In the big game, however, Sanders couldn’t do much. Sanders only rushed seven times, collecting 16 yards. He also fumbled in the 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was a disappointing performance, and one that sticks with Sanders even though he signed a four-year, $25 million deal with the Panthers in the offseason.
Sanders admitted he wasn’t happy with the way he was used in Super Bowl LVII, according to The Associated Press.
“Last game of the season? For all the marbles? Anyone can answer that question,” Sanders said when asked if he was disappointed with the way he was used in the Super Bowl. “If they put themselves in my place, would they be happy? I don’t want to make headlines, (but) if it is, I don’t care.
It’s an understandable answer. After such a great regular season, Sanders wanted to do more to help his team win the Super Bowl. He didn’t have that opportunity and wisely pointed out that most people in his position would feel the same way.
Although Sanders noted that he didn’t want to make headlines with his response, he didn’t really have a choice. If Sanders had gone the other way and said he was perfectly fine with 16 yards in a loss, that wouldn’t have played well either. Any answer he gave could be set aside.
His time with the Eagles is now over, Sanders can now focus on getting the Panthers back on track. The team showed promise at the end of the 2022 regular season and selected quarterback Bryce Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
If Sanders can live up to his new contract, maybe another Super Bowl appearance is in his future. If that time comes, you know Sanders will be motivated to seek redemption.