For Panthers head coach Dave Canales, focusing on the future is paramount. He and his team are determined to move past last season’s struggles and look ahead.
Returning players from the 2024 defense are motivated by their previous performance, as cornerback Jaycee Horn expressed: “We don’t need to be anything close to that… it’s on the back of your mind too, because that should be really all the motivation you need to come back to camp.”
The Panthers set records for points allowed last season, but changes have been made. Five new players were acquired during free agency: Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown III, Tre’von Moehrig, Patrick Jones II, and Christian Rozeboom. They also extended Horn’s contract and brought back Mike Jackson.
Derrick Brown returns from injury, which was a significant issue in 2024. New draft picks include pass-rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, safety Lathan Ransom, and Cam Jackson.
Canales emphasized the importance of focusing on the present: “It’s easy. It’s this week. It’s today… no team is the same.” He believes it will take four to six games for the defense to find its identity.
Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum acknowledged last year’s challenges but remains optimistic: “We’re going to show y’all… how much better we can be.”
Rozeboom noted that past statistics serve as a growth opportunity rather than a burden: “It’s brought up sometimes… it’s more like a growth thing.”
New players bring experience from Super Bowl-winning teams like the Chiefs and Rams. Bobby Brown stated: “I think we’re going to be as good as we push ourselves.”
The team’s commitment is evident in their daily efforts led by key figures like Derrick Brown: “I mean, it’s guys that want to go to work.”
