CHARLOTTE — Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales called on his offense Monday to focus on generating more explosive plays in the passing game. The appeal comes after a 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints, where the Panthers produced only two explosive plays compared to eight by their opponents.
“There were some really important drives our defense got us opportunities back,” Canales said. “And we appreciate that; now it’s time for the offense, let’s go. Let’s make sure that we can have this balanced offense that we visualize together.”
Canales emphasized his own responsibility as both head coach and offensive play caller. “I take on everything that I can, as the head coach,” he said. “It’s my responsibility, certainly, with the offensive side of the ball and making sure that we have a cohesive offense that makes sense, that has balance, that attacks the defense the right way.
“So when we have a game like yesterday, I take it personal first and foremost.”
Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan pointed out the importance of execution from players as well. “We just got to win our matchups,” McMillan said. “That’s really what it comes down to, like I said, we just got to be better.”
McMillan has played a significant role in Carolina’s deep passing attempts this season, receiving 12 deep targets and recording 20 explosive receptions either through air yards or yards after catch (YAC). Defenses are focusing coverage on him due to his productivity among rookies this year.
The team is considering ways to create more YAC opportunities for receivers. “That could be a strategy as well,” Canales said about focusing on short-to-intermediate routes for potential big gains. He added: “But I do know you want to stretch the field at times, and we get these vertical shots called, that we try to make sure that we’re attacking the right coverages, and then from there it’s just confidence and me to you factor and working on that chemistry that happens in practice.”
McMillan stressed collective accountability for offensive production: “We can’t point the finger and put it on Bryce; it’s a collective effort,” he said regarding quarterback Bryce Young. “It comes down to, as well as the receivers, we got to be able to make Bryce’s job easier. We can’t just be possession catchers, you know; we got to be able to get some yards after catch, create explosives for ourselves.
“So, no, it’s not on Bryce at all.”
Through nine games this season, Young is averaging 5.6 yards per pass attempt—down from 6.6 yards per attempt during last year’s second half.
McMillan noted discipline is key when seeking big plays: “You got to do your job,” he said. “You can’t try to do other people’s jobs.
“It all comes down to the defense that, you know, a shot called doesn’t always mean a shot taken. So, we got to read the defense and depending on what they give us, and then we take the best opportunity that we get.”
Veteran wide receiver David Moore remains sidelined with an elbow injury but continues mentoring younger players during practices and home games.
“I think the only thing missing is consistent passing, which we have the guys, we have the QB to do it. We got the (offensive) line to sustain the blocks. We got everything,” Moore stated. “We just got to connect all the pieces… It’s going to take everybody on the offense… Just be patient.”
Moore highlighted how an effective run game supports passing success but acknowledged defenses are increasingly focused on stopping running back Rico Dowdle—currently third in league rushing—forcing Carolina’s passing attack into greater prominence.
“Our run game is really good and a lot of teams that we’re going to face from here on out are going to play that… they’re obviously going to play to our strengths,” McMillan noted.
With Moore still recovering from injury and most of Carolina’s active receivers being rookies or second-year players during games, building chemistry remains crucial.
“Chemistry, timing—it’s everybody,” Canales explained regarding offensive improvement efforts moving forward.
Carolina faces seven remaining regular-season games; four upcoming opponents rank between 18th and 24th in pass defense nationally while their next opponent—the Atlanta Falcons—hold first place in NFL pass defense rankings.
Despite challenges ahead Moore expressed optimism: “It’ll happen for us… We’ll have a big receiver game coming up. I know it. I feel it.”
