Pro Bowl running back Miles Sanders embarked on a new chapter in his five-year NFL career during the offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles hometown favorite made a significant move in the offseason, signing a lucrative four-year, $25.4 million deal with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Eager to integrate himself with his new teammates, Sanders took the opportunity to express his admiration for the Panthers’ quarterbacks, but he may have overstepped when commenting on a particular 12-year veteran.
Sanders Calls Backup QB Andy Dalton A ‘Hall of Famer’
During a local radio appearance on WFNZ’s Mac & Bone, Sanders lauded his new teammates, stating, “I have a good feeling about these guys. They work incredibly hard, and that’s the primary aspect I’ve observed during OTAs.”
Sanders also wasn’t shy about praising the Panthers’ quarterback room, which features No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. However, the former Eagles’ running back took things a step further, calling backup QB Andy Dalton a ‘Hall of Famer’.
“We have a highly promising young quarterback in Bryce Young, the 2023 first overall draft pick, who is receiving guidance from a truly exceptional mentor, a future Hall of Famer, Andy Dalton, whom I hold in high regard,” continued Sanders. “Additionally, having players like Adam Thielen mentoring our young receivers is a great asset. Not to mention, we boast a seasoned offensive line that I greatly admire—their game film is impressive. Moreover, our defense is stacked.”
Is Andy Dalton Really A Hall of Fame QB?
Dalton, a distinguished three-time Pro Bowl selection, has indeed enjoyed a successful career.
Pro Football Reference’s Weighted Career Approximate Value metric ranks Dalton as the fifth-best quarterback selected outside of the first round in the 21st Century, an accolade that places him among the likes of legendary QBs like Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, and Kirk Cousins.
As the 35th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft from TCU, Dalton spent nine seasons (2011-2019) with the Cincinnati Bengals, leaving an unforgettable mark as the franchise’s all-time leader with 204 passing touchdowns.
Despite these achievements, Dalton has not received All-Pro selections nor has he been recognized as one of the NFL’s top two quarterbacks in a single season.
His career-high of 33 passing touchdowns, achieved in 2013, falls short of the 35 mark. His career passing yards, totaling 38,150, rank 24th in league history, and his 244 passing touchdowns place him 27th all-time.
While Dalton’s durability and longevity, entering Year 13 in the NFL, are noteworthy, his production may not align with the elite status reserved for Hall of Fame inductees in Canton, Ohio.
As Sanders forges ahead with his new team, the Carolina Panthers, he holds high hopes for their potential success, with an optimistic outlook on the quarterback room, led by the experienced presence of Andy Dalton. Time will tell how the Panthers’ fortunes unfold with this combination of talent and mentorship.
