Bank of America Stadium | Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium | Carolina Panthers
ATLANTA — Miles Sanders found redemption on the field with a game-winning touchdown that capped off a 116-yard performance from scrimmage. The Carolina Panthers' running back had been waiting for this moment after enduring two challenging years.
"The play before was a pass play, and I saw there was 1 yard and I asked the ref, I said, we score do we win?" Sanders explained. "He said yes. I looked at the sideline and just said some curse words, and then they switched it up, so they trusted me to get the ball in."
Sanders signed with the Panthers as a free agent in March 2023 with high expectations. However, his role diminished as he backed up Chuba Hubbard by season's end. This year, Sanders faced further setbacks due to a high-ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for six weeks.
Head coach Dave Canales expressed admiration for Sanders' perseverance: "Unbelievable to have Miles Sanders back in there... Just a smile that it brought the whole group when he was in the huddle."
Sanders' determination never wavered despite adversity. He declared his readiness to play after recovering from injury, demonstrating his skills with both rushing and receiving touchdowns.
"I've just got to go finish this thing right," Sanders remarked post-game. His teammate Hubbard praised him: "Just really all the adversity and everything he's had to fight through... So to see him ball out like I know he can and win the game for us was amazing."
The Panthers face uncertainty regarding their future lineup as they have committed to Hubbard with an extension through 2028 while drafting Jonathon Brooks in the second round. Brooks' ACL injury leaves questions about next season's roster.
Sanders expressed his desire to continue playing alongside Hubbard: "I would love to stay here... I wanted this to be the tandem from the jump since I got here."
For now, Sanders savors his moment of triumph on Sunday night as hard work paid off.