Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced on Friday that he intends to play his starters, including quarterback Bryce Young, during the team’s first two preseason games. These games will provide the starters with valuable in-game experience against the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans as the Panthers aim to improve on last season’s disappointing results.
Earlier this year, Canales hinted on the Up & Adams show that he would allow his starters to participate for a limited number of plays early in the preseason, signaling a shift from his approach during his first season as Panthers coach.
Shift in Preseason Strategy After 2024 Criticism
This decision marks a clear departure from Canales’ 2024 strategy, when he mostly limited his starters’ time during preseason games, only inserting them briefly in the finale against the Buffalo Bills. That cautious handling backfired as the Panthers stumbled out of the gates with a heavy 47-10 loss in Week 1 to the New Orleans Saints and ended the season with a disappointing 1-7 start.
Given those struggles, Canales is now focused on providing the young team more opportunities to prepare physically and mentally for competitive play, emphasizing habits that extend beyond just the in-game reps.
Emphasizing Preparation Beyond the Game
Canales spoke to the media about the importance of the full preparation process, starting the night before games. He said,
“Kind of going through it last year, we have a mix of veteran players, but it’s predominantly a pretty young team. And I just can’t pass up the opportunities,”
He continued,
“The reps in-game are valuable, but I think that it goes to the night before when guys know they’re gonna go out there, they’ve got to make a decision to play football. And so it starts the night before with the prep. You start thinking about your plan, taking care of your body, making sure you get your rest. You get up, it’s your nutrition plan in the morning, body readiness, just like your full game day routines. Those are so valuable.”
New Players Require More Cohesion During Preseason
With many fresh faces on both sides of the ball, Canales recognizes the importance of using all three preseason games to build team chemistry. He remarked,
“We have three opportunities to do that in this preseason, and I just really want to take advantage of that. Plus it’s a bunch of new guys playing together on defense and a couple of new guys on the offensive side. We have a little more continuity there, but I just love the thought of them going through that plan, having a first 15 [plays] type of thought process and taking advantage of the preparation.”
When asked about the possibility of playing starters in the preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Canales said the decision would depend on the progress made during camp and the week’s practice leading up to that game.
Focus on Defensive Rebuild and Key Player Returns
The Panthers’ defense, which was historically poor in 2024—setting NFL records for points allowed and ranking near the top in yards and rushing yards surrendered—is a particular area of focus during the preseason. The defense has undergone major changes, with the return of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who missed almost the entire previous season due to a knee injury sustained in Week 1.
The presence of Brown is expected to strengthen a defense eager to rebound after last year’s struggles. Meanwhile, the offense will look to build momentum behind Bryce Young, who regained his starting role after an early-season benching, and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the No. 8 overall draft pick who adds fresh talent to the team.
Rising Expectations for the Panthers in Coming Season
Despite a 5-12 finish following the rough start to the 2024 season, hopes are high that the Panthers can improve significantly this year. The team’s expanded use of starters preseason Bryce Young on the field suggests a readiness to break past last year’s difficulties through stronger preparation and continuity.
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently favored to win the NFC South at +105 odds, the Panthers are not far behind at +350, followed by the Atlanta Falcons at +220 and the New Orleans Saints trailing at +1300, according to FanDuel betting lines.