Andy Dalton, Hall of Famer? One Panther thinks so

Entering his first season with the Carolina Panthers, running back Miles Sanders is still getting acclimated with his new teammates. However, he's already gained a high opinion of veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. 

"We've got a very, very good young quarterback that's being mentored by a very, very, very good quarterback, future Hall of Famer, Andy Dalton, who I have a lot of respect for," Sanders said on WFNZ's "Mac and T-Bone Show" this week. 

Dalton has spent nine years in the NFL and while he hasn't wowed, he's certainly no slouch, passing for over 38,000 yards with three Pro Bowl nods under his belt. But that hardly qualifies him for enshrinement in Canton, even if Sanders disagrees. 

Sanders' revelation might sound ridiculous, but it's an excellent sign when it comes to team unity for the Panthers, who still have over a month to go before playing their first game. However, while Sanders is high on Dalton, he's also a big fan of the Panthers' future behind center, Bryce Young, calling him "cocky in humble way." 

"He's sharp. He's there early, last one leaving," Sanders said. "His pocket presence is amazing to me, and he has a quick release. He makes smart decisions too, so he doesn't have to force passes, and he has a nice touch, a lovely touch on the ball." 

If Young happens to be the starter in Week 1 for the Panthers, Sanders should provide plenty of help in the backfield. The 25-year-old back is coming off his first 1,000-yard season, rushing for 1,269 yards with a career-high 11 touchdowns for the eventual NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles. If Sanders can be a weapon for Young and company, the Panthers may have a pretty good shot at putting last season's 7-10 finish in the rearview with a quick turnaround in 2023.