After a wild 2024, Dave Canales talks candidly about the Carolina Panthers’ future.

The 2024 NFL season was nothing short of a rollercoaster for the Carolina Panthers. From coaching changes to quarterback uncertainty and a rapidly evolving roster, the Panthers have experienced their fair share of ups and downs. However, despite the challenges, there is an undeniable sense of optimism surrounding the team, particularly with the leadership of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who joined the Panthers amid this tumultuous period.

Canales, who took over as offensive coordinator for the 2024 season, arrived in Carolina with a reputation for fostering high-scoring offenses and building dynamic, quarterback-friendly systems. However, his tenure has been anything but conventional. As the Panthers navigated injuries, roster changes, and developmental struggles, Canales faced a significant challenge: how to establish a new identity and competitive edge for a team in flux.

In an exclusive interview, Canales opened up about his experiences during the 2024 season and what lies ahead for the Panthers. Reflecting on both the challenges and the growth the team has undergone, Canales shared candid insights into the future of Carolina’s offense, his relationship with quarterback Bryce Young, the role of emerging talent, and how the Panthers plan to become true contenders in the NFC.

Overcoming Early Struggles: Acknowledging the Growing Pains

When Dave Canales arrived in Carolina, the team was at a crossroads. Following a disappointing 2023 season, the Panthers made several changes, including the hiring of Frank Reich as head coach and the selection of Bryce Young as the first overall pick in the draft. With a young quarterback at the helm, Canales knew that he would have to be patient while implementing his offensive system.

“The early part of the season was definitely a struggle,” Canales admits. “There’s no sugar-coating it. We were trying to integrate new concepts with a young quarterback, and then injuries and other challenges threw us for a loop. But that’s the NFL – things don’t always go as planned. The important thing is how you respond when adversity hits.”

The Panthers’ offense, which had sputtered in previous seasons, struggled to find consistency in 2024. Bryce Young, the highly anticipated rookie quarterback, showed flashes of brilliance but was also faced with growing pains typical of a first-year player. The offensive line, while solid in spots, had its own challenges, and the running game was often inconsistent.

Canales points to these early struggles as a natural part of the team’s growth process. “When you bring in a quarterback like Bryce, there’s a learning curve, especially with the kind of offense we wanted to run,” he explains. “It’s not an overnight thing. Bryce is a brilliant kid with incredible talent, but it takes time to develop that chemistry and trust in the system.”

Despite these early setbacks, Canales is quick to acknowledge that growth was taking place. “I think one thing that’s been clear throughout the season is that we’ve grown stronger as a unit. Sure, we’ve faced our fair share of adversity, but we’ve kept working, we’ve kept developing, and that’s been the key to our success moving forward.”

Bryce Young: A Bright Future Ahead

One of the most significant storylines for the Panthers in 2024 has been the development of Bryce Young. After being selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Young faced immense pressure to live up to the hype and quickly lead the Panthers back to playoff contention. Canales, who worked with young quarterbacks during his time as a position coach in Seattle, has been intimately involved in Young’s development throughout the season.

“Bryce has been everything we hoped for and more,” Canales says with genuine admiration. “He’s mature beyond his years, and he approaches the game with such poise and a hunger to learn. He’s been through a lot this season, but every time he steps on the field, he gets better. That’s the kind of guy you want leading your offense.”

Canales emphasizes that the key to Young’s future success will be continued development within the offensive system. “It’s about building that chemistry, not just with the receivers, but with the offensive line, the tight ends, and the running backs. It’s all about building trust in the system, trust in his guys, and trust in himself.”

While 2024 was a season of ups and downs for Young, Canales sees the potential for long-term success. “Bryce has a lot of growing to do, but he’s already shown that he has the tools to be a top-tier quarterback. He has that rare ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and put the ball where it needs to be. With more reps, more time in the system, and the right support around him, I believe Bryce can be the face of this franchise for years to come.”

Building a Dynamic Offense: A Work in Progress

As the Panthers look to the future, Canales is focused on developing a more dynamic, multifaceted offense. While the team’s offensive struggles in 2024 were well-documented, Canales is determined to ensure that the Panthers will have a system in place that complements Bryce Young’s strengths and can exploit opposing defenses.

“We want to be a balanced offense that can do it all. We want to be able to run the ball when we need to, and we want to be explosive through the air. But more than that, we want to be unpredictable,” Canales explains. “If we can establish that balance and be able to attack defenses from every angle, we’ll be tough to stop.”

To that end, Canales has worked tirelessly to establish a running game that takes pressure off of Young. With talented backs like Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard, the Panthers have the pieces to create a potent rushing attack. “Our goal is to create lanes for these guys and let them do what they do best,” Canales says. “Miles and Chuba both have the vision and burst to make big plays. We just need to be more consistent with our blocking and execution.”

At the same time, Canales is focused on developing Young’s passing game. “We’ve got a solid group of receivers who are still learning and growing together,” he says. “I’m excited about the potential of DJ Moore, Terrace Marshall, and the others. We’ve seen flashes from these guys, but we need to get more consistent with our routes, timing, and overall communication.”

Canales also has high hopes for the Panthers’ tight ends, including rookie sensation, Tommy Tremble. “The tight end position is critical to our offense. We want to create mismatches with tight ends who can both block and make plays in the passing game. Tommy has shown some real promise this year, and I think he’ll only get better as we go.”

The Path Forward: A Focus on Building a Championship-Caliber Roster

Canales knows that the Panthers’ offense is still a work in progress. While the team has shown signs of promise, there are several areas that need improvement for the Panthers to become true contenders in the NFC. Building around Bryce Young and creating a more balanced offensive attack will be essential, but so too will be continuing to strengthen other areas of the roster.

“We need to keep building the roster in the right way,” Canales states. “We’ve got a young quarterback, but we also need to make sure we have the right players around him. That means adding more weapons, more depth on the offensive line, and continuing to develop the defense as well. If we can get that balance right, we’ll be in a good position to contend.”

Canales also recognizes that the team’s culture will play a huge role in their future success. “One thing I’ve really loved about being here in Carolina is the work ethic and the mentality of the players. These guys are hungry to win, and they’re willing to put in the work to make it happen. We’ve got a solid foundation to build on, and now it’s just about putting the pieces together.”

A Message of Optimism and Patience

While 2024 has been a challenging year for the Panthers, Dave Canales remains optimistic about the team’s future. He believes that the struggles of the past season will ultimately lead to a more successful and sustainable future.

“This year has been about laying the foundation,” he explains. “We’ve seen a lot of growth, both on the field and in the locker room. Sure, there have been bumps along the way, but every team goes through that. What matters is how we respond, how we keep improving, and how we stay together as a group.”

Canales is confident that the Panthers’ future is bright, especially with Bryce Young at the helm. “We’ve got the pieces in place to be successful. We just need to keep working, keep developing, and keep believing in the process. I truly believe that this team has the potential to be a force in the NFC for years to come.”