With quarterback Bryce Young in mind, the Carolina Panthers hired offensive coordinator Dave Canales from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to lead their offence in the 2024 NFL season.
Young was selected first overall by the Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, in the former Alabama All-American’s first NFL season, Carolina finished 2-15, and the rookie signal-caller led an offence that was mostly devoid of chunk plays while posting the lowest passing efficiency rating in the league.
Young has advanced significantly in terms of “the comfort and familiarity with our plays,” according to Canales, who said after the Panthers’ summer programme came to an end last week.
“Bryce had his best day running the offense today,” Canales commented after Tuesday’s practice, praising Young’s improved execution and understanding of the plays. Despite facing a solid defense, Young showcased progress in handling huddles, line of scrimmage situations, shifts, motions, cadence, and protection adjustments. Canales expressed satisfaction at Young’s development and comprehension of the team’s objectives. Andy Dalton, who served as Young’s backup last season, noted the significant improvements Young is making in his second year in the NFL. Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler, emphasized Young’s talent and the positive changes he’s witnessing in Young’s performance based on experience. Dalton expects Young to show significant growth due to his increased comfort and familiarity with the team’s operations compared to his first year in the league.
Young expressed his satisfaction with the progress the Panthers’ offense has made during the offseason program. He highlighted how well they have adapted and formed their own identity under the new staff. Despite a challenging season where they struggled on various fronts, Young emphasized the team’s hunger to improve and their collective determination to succeed.
According to Young, the offensive identity of the Panthers in 2024 will be different.
Young remarked, “I think we’re an attacking offence, one that wants to do whatever the defence offers it to us. However, we want to confirm that we can run the ball. That’s what Coach has said a lot. That’s what we discuss. We are going to play off of the knowledge that we will establish the run game.
We’ll have a number of players and be able to target certain defensive weaknesses week by week while utilising our areas of expertise. Therefore, I believe that we’re still developing and improving as individuals.
Chuba Hubbard, who had 902 yards and five touchdowns on 238 attempts, and Miles Sanders, who had 432 yards and one touchdown on 129 carries, are the two running backs that Carolina returns with more than 75 rushing yards for the Panthers from the previous campaign.
Additionally, Carolina selected running back Jonathan Brooks with a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Brooks finished the previous season with 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on 187 rushing attempts for Texas.
