The Carolina Panthers began their preseason with a 30-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game that head coach Dave Canales described as being full of “almosts.” The team came close to several key plays, including sacks and interceptions, but was unable to capitalize on those opportunities. Penalties also negated potential explosive gains.
“It was a night of almost saying, can it be good enough,” Canales said after reviewing the game film. “Going into the team meeting here shortly, and I get to just talk to the guys about the critical variables…all these critical moments where it matters.”
Despite the result, Canales pointed out an improvement in physicality across all units. He credited this to increased expectations set during the offseason and recent live-play drills at Fan Fest.
“I think I mentioned last night I was excited about the play style,” he said. “A lot of physical play, an uptick that way, just in terms of what we’re expecting from our group, defensively, special teams, and then, you know, offensively in the run game, having everybody involved and playing physical. I was really pleased with that.”
Canales emphasized continued focus on effort and fundamentals: “We’re looking for great effort, and I would say we’re trending towards the standard. I thought there were still too many moments…where we saw a lack of strain to finish. You know, finishing each play with great speed and getting the guys to trust that this is going to pay dividends as you push yourself.
“Then I think the second part would be technique and fundamentals…Who are those guys that can carry it over into a game, and we learned a lot about our guys yesterday.”
Looking ahead to next week’s joint practice with Houston and another preseason matchup against the Texans, Canales indicated plans for starters to see more action than they did last year. The first-team offense and defense each played two series against Cleveland.
“I think it’s going to depend on—we got another great week of practice and we’re going to have a joint practice so I think…if we feel like we got enough work out of the practice part of it, it might look like tonight, but I’d love to play them just a little bit more,” he said.
He added: “Just the more that you can do that, the more they can kind of you know refocus and come out for another drive.”
The Panthers were without starting left guard Damien Lewis due to a shoulder injury suffered during joint practices earlier in the week; his status is considered week-to-week as he recovers strength in his shoulder. Backup Chandler Zavala is also recovering from a knee injury.
This gave Ja’Tyre Carter an opportunity with the starting offensive line Friday night. While Carter allowed one sack—acknowledged by Canales as his worst moment—the coaching staff was generally encouraged by his performance.
“He had a really good, really good night…in the couple of series he played,” Canales said. “The rest of it was great anchor, movement in the run game…and did a fantastic job in his opportunity.”
Canales highlighted roster flexibility among interior linemen Cade Mays and Brady Christensen as well.
Importantly for player health during preseason competition—a frequent concern—the Panthers reported no new significant injuries from Friday’s contest.
“We came out clean; some bumps and bruises; nothing that’s gonna keep people out of practices from the game,” according to Canales.
Several players missed action due to pre-existing injuries sustained during practice sessions earlier in camp but made it through Friday’s game unscathed.
“We made it through pretty clean,” added Canales. “About as clean as I can remember in a preseason game…so I’m really excited about that.”
On coaching development initiatives within his staff this year, both offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley called plays during Friday’s match—an extension from previous years’ approach where position coaches took turns calling plays late in preseason.
“I had the call sheet there (Brad) kind of worked through a flow…I wanted him to get that opportunity…to function with the guys and feel the flow of the game,” Canales said regarding Idzik’s role on offense.
Regarding Cooley’s defensive responsibilities: “I think there were some pretty cool situations thrown at (Cooley). Short-yardage situations…the red zone—I think the only thing we didn’t get defensively was a 2-minute drill….I thought it was a really good challenge for Cooley…gave us a lot to talk about as we came into office this morning.”
