In his first year as the Panthers’ head coach, Dave Canales carried an enormous responsibility in the 2024 offseason. He had two quarterbacks, Andy Dalton and Bryce Young. While Dalton had a decade-plus of experience, Young was filled with the exuberance to prove himself after failing as a rookie. He crumbled in the first two games with 3 interceptions without any touchdowns. The HC benched the young QB for the veteran. But now, the HC got an honest feedback for his decision.

After the season has ended for them at a 5-12 record, Panthers legend Luke Kuechly opened up about the debacle. The former linebacker appeared on the December 9 episode of The Rich Eisen Show. While talking about the benching decision that the HC took, he cleared his stance and said, “Since he’s (Young) gotten back, it’s like he’s been a different player. That was a difficult decision for Dave Canales’ first year in Carolina.” But he credited the GM Dan Morgan for strengthening the O-line, hence boosting the young QB’s confidence.

According to Kuechly, Bryce Young started believing his team while watching them from the bench. So, when Dalton could not play because of a thumb injury, Young took over. This time, his confidence was high. Against the Broncos in week 8, his comeback game after the benching, Young scored 2 touchdowns. Though the team lost, it built up his confidence. And the result: They won the week 9 game against the Saints.

The Panthers legend also claimed that the faulty O-line led to Young getting sacked 62 times in his rookie year. It hit his confidence. However, this time around, it was a changed scenario. After the week 15 loss to the Cowboys, the Panthers were knocked out of the playoffs, their 7th year in a row. It made Bryce Young have fun. And to everyone’s surprise, he finished the last 3 games with 7 touchdowns with zero interceptions.

Overall, Bryce played 14 games (12 starting) in 2024 and recorded 234 of 384 passes (60.9% completion rate) in 2,403 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Luke Kuechly praised the QBs and HC for their performances and added, “Where he started the year to where he is now has been, I give him a lot of credit. I give Dave Canales a lot of credit. I give Andy Dalton a ton of credit.”

The eyes are again on the GM Dan Morgan. The team is vetting out potential players to boost their O-line. They have found some too.

Dave Canales’ team eyeing 2 WRs in the 2025 NFL Draft

After finishing 3rd in the NFC South and 14th in the NFC Conference, the Panthers secured the 8th overall draft pick. And they have already started scouting the players. Two Big Ten wide receivers, University of Memphis’ Roc Taylor and Virginia Tech’s Ali Jennings.

According to The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler, Dave Canales’ team has already talked to 6’3” Taylor. The Tigers WR has recorded 135 receptions in 2,033 yards with 6 touchdowns. Having a similar good performance, the 6’2” Jennings recorded 15 receptions in 373 yards with 3 touchdowns in 12 games in 2024. The Hokies WR has played for 3 college teams, West Virginia (2019-2020), Old Dominion (2021-2022), and Virginia Tech (2023-2024).

Finally, the Panthers understood one thing in 2024, a rebuild was necessary. Moreover, Dave Canales is leading it from the front. He signed a 6-year contract in 2024. One year has passed. The first sign of success will be qualifying for the playoffs. The draft becomes extremely crucial in that scenario.