Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales announced on Friday that he plans to field his starters during the team’s first two preseason games, which will provide quarterback Bryce Young and the rest of the team a chance to gain valuable in-game experience against the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. This decision follows Canales’ earlier comments on the “Up & Adams” program, where he indicated that the starters would play “a series or two” in their initial preseason outings.
This approach contrasts sharply with Canales’ first season as head coach in 2024, during which he opted to keep many starters sidelined for the duration of the preseason. He faced criticism for this tactic, especially as the Panthers struggled early in the subsequent regular season, culminating in a disappointing 47-10 loss against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1 and resulting in a bleak 1-7 record.
Canales emphasized the importance of getting players mentally and physically prepared for football. He stated, “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 elaborated on the significance of preparation leading up to game day, noting the value of routine and the essential mental shift required from players.
The coach also highlighted the necessity of getting the revamped Panthers defense acclimated, especially as the unit had a historically poor performance the previous season—setting records for points and yards allowed. The return of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown, absent for most of the last season due to injury, is anticipated to significantly enhance the team’s defense.
After a frustrating first half of the 2024 season, the Panthers rallied to finish with a 5-12 record, driven in part by Bryce Young’s improved performance after being benched earlier in the year and the addition of rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft.
While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently the favorites to win the NFC South, the Panthers are positioned as a competitive force with odds of +350, suggesting that there are optimistic expectations for the upcoming season.
The decision to play starters during preseason reflects a proactive strategy for building team cohesion and readiness, offering hope that the Panthers can make significant strides in the 2025 season.