Dave Canales started his second training camp as the Carolina Panthers’ head coach on Wednesday. He came onto the practice field with a new air of confidence, an impressive difference from that first year. This transition marks a new development for Canales. He now faces much fewer unknowns, especially in regards to the team’s quarterback situation.
Last year, Canales navigated a tumultuous season, including an arduous 1-7 start that led to the dismissal of previous coaches Frank Reich and Matt Rhule under owner David Tepper. This season brings renewed hope as Canales embarks on his second year, having made critical adjustments to his coaching strategy and solidified his leadership within the Panthers organization.
During his post-practice news conference, Canales made a bold prediction that he would not have dared to voice a year ago.
“The sky’s the limit for this group. This is going to be a very competitive team. I don’t think people are going to want to play us by the style of football that we play. I’m expecting that.” – Dave Canales
Canales reflects on the challenges he faced last season, particularly adapting his offensive system to fit the strengths of quarterback Bryce Young. Canales’ first move was to bench Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. He soon realized that Young not only needs time to develop, he would benefit from learning under a seasoned player.
“Bryce needed to sit back a bit and learn from Andy, and he was willing to,” – Pete Carroll
His decision to tailor his methods worked wonders, with Canales recently earning acclaim from players and personnel. Moore has collaborated with Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay. Even more than that, Moore picked up on how Canales was different at this year’s first team meeting.
Now [Canales] is there to sort of challenge us to be better and to keep us honest and to keep us engaged and to keep us on track. The way his energy is going to change is that it will never change. His energy leads us,” Moore stated.
General manager Dan Morgan additionally lauded Canales’ infectious enthusiasm, which has had a wonderfully positive effect all throughout the locker room. The Panthers’ organization is electric with concerted focus and righteous purpose. Canales has been able to foster this dynamic culture since taking the helm.
The major theme was relationships, and about how if we all commit to building those strong relationships it can bring us all further together. Moore added.
On a large scale, this season Canales hopes to inspire his players to take on leadership roles themselves, and foster competition in the locker room. So it’s no surprise that he thinks building those deep connections will be essential to delivering winning results along the way.
“It feels a lot different knowing that I have a group of leaders that have my back,” Canales expressed, highlighting the shift in team dynamics since last year.
Canales has changed his coaching approach in order to earn the trust of those within his team. He shows great tenacity in overcoming challenges. Running back Kareem Hunt was receptive to this new facet of Canales’ leadership.
“Dave is going to be Dave, and that’s what I honestly respect about him,” Hunt remarked. “This s
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