The first big move that the Carolina Panthers had to make during the 2024 NFL offseason was finding a head coach. They found their man in Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, Dave Canales.
Canales was a major reason for Baker Mayfield turning things around in 2023, putting together the best campaign of his career. The Panthers are hopeful that Canales can now have a similar impact on Bryce Young.
The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft had a brutal rookie season. Some of that was expected as playing in the NFL as a rookie isn’t easy. However, the Panthers did very little to ensure that Young would find success early in his career as his supporting cast was lacking.
NFL News & Rumors: Dave Canales, Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers Updates
D.J. Moore, the team’s No. 1 receiver for years, was traded to the Chicago Bears as part of the package to acquire the first overall pick. The price to move up was steep, and when you consider how well C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 pick of the draft, did with the Houston Texans, there is even more pressure on Young to succeed this upcoming season.
At the NFL Combine, Canales was asked several questions about Young, one of which was what he would do to fix him in 2024. Canales’ answer was an interesting one, as he doesn’t believe there is much broken to fix; as long as Young plays within the system the results will come.
“No plan to fix Bryce Young,” Canales said of the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. “I think for me, it’s about building an offense that we can be proud of, something that is tough, something that is smart, that takes care of the football, number one. We’ve got to create more explosives, and then of course, we have to minimize damage with exotic pressures and things like that.
“So I think just elevating the whole group and really asking Bryce to just do his part.”
NFL News & Rumors: Dave Canales, Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers Updates
While the overall product was underwhelming in 2023, Young did have a few bright spots throughout his rookie campaign. However, playing behind a poor offensive line and with limited weapons around him, those bright spots were few and far between.
If there is anyone who can help get Young on the right track, it is Canales. His resume speaks for itself, as he was integral in Geno Smith’s renaissance in 2022 with the Seattle Seahawks before helping Mayfield in 2023.
Both Smith and Mayfield had their first Pro Bowl trips under Canales and led their teams to the playoffs. He will be looking to make it 3-for-3 with Young, which could be his toughest task yet.
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