CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the Carolina Panthers gear up for their wild-card playoff clash against the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Dave Canales remains unfazed by the betting odds that have positioned his team as 10.5-point underdogs. The game is set to take place on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium, and Canales is focused on what truly matters: the performance on the field.
“I’m sure they have algorithms for us,” Canales remarked about the odds, emphasizing that the team’s focus should be on executing their game plan and playing their best football.
Canales draws from past experiences as both a player and a coach that remind him how underdog status can be overcome. Notably, earlier this season on November 30, the Panthers faced the Rams as 10.5-point underdogs but emerged victorious with a thrilling 31-28 win, led by quarterback Bryce Young who redeemed himself by throwing three touchdown passes following a tough outing against the San Francisco 49ers.
Additionally, Canales reflects on a significant moment from his coaching career with the Seattle Seahawks, who, in 2010, entered the playoffs with a losing record of 7-9 but pulled off a stunning upset against the defending Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints. The Seahawks, also 10.5-point underdogs, triumphed 41-26 in a game highlighted by Marshawn Lynch’s iconic “Beast Quake” touchdown run, a moment that Canales witnessed from the coaches’ box.
Now, Canales aspires to recreate that electric atmosphere at Bank of America Stadium as the Panthers prepare for their first home playoff game since 2017. He acknowledges the unique advantage home-field fans can provide, recalling how the crowd noise disrupted opponent communication during his time in Seattle.
“That’s why I’m so excited about us bringing football back to Bank of America Stadium,” Canales stated. “Our fans have always made a difference.”
He is particularly hopeful that running back Rico Dowdle can channel some of that “Beast Mode” energy early in the playoff game, especially after the team struggled with a season-low 19 rushing yards against Tampa Bay in Week 18.
As Canales prepares his team for what he hopes will be an unforgettable experience, he looks forward to creating special moments at Bank of America Stadium that will resonate with both the players and fans alike. The anticipation builds as the Panthers aim to defy the odds and make a postseason impact.