Dave Canales quotes: Panthers coach talks NFL training camp, players

Dave Canales quotes: Panthers coach talks NFL training camp, players originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales supervised Friday’s NFL training camp practice, watching and learning.

Afterward, the third-year coach had opinions on what he witnessed at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium.

Here are parts of what he said:

QB Bryce Young remains competitive

With his fifth season guaranteed, quarterback Bryce Young is playing for a contract extension this season. He was off Friday, but Canales said he will continue to back the 2021 Heisman Trophy recipient’s competitiveness.

“He’s super competitive. And whether it’s shooting free throws in the team meeting or whether it’s trivia or whatever it might be, he’s so competitive. You get him, get him into a conversation about the NBA, he’s got opinions. He’s got lots of thoughts about different things. That kind of fits his nature. If there’s a bad play, watch out in the next couple of plays because he’s going to look for redemption. And he doesn’t overtry. He does it within himself. Things happen in the game. Let’s just move on to the next one.”

Young CBs making marks

The Panthers practiced without their top two injured cornerbacks (Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson) and youngsters Chau Smith-Wide, Corey Thornton and Will Lee III stepped in. Canales sounded optimistic regarding the room’s depth after Smith-Wade and Lee created interceptions Friday.

“Yeah, versatility with Corey because he can play the nickel spot, he can play safety and he can play outside corner. With Will as a rookie, we’re going to count on him to just be outside and play out there when we need him to. So, you know, that’s kind of been our approach with our rookies is let’s give them something to really focus on so they can see that daily growth. And that’s the whole key to creating confidence is giving them something that they can master and dominate and then giving them a little bit more.”

MORE: Rookie Will Lee III picks off Bryce Young, highlights Panthers’ training camp

WR Tetairoa McMillan lining up to create mismatches

The Panthers experimented with using wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the slot last season. Canales said he expects to create more matchup problems by utilizing the 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in the slot more in ’26.

“We used him a lot in there last year as well, so we’ll just continue that plan. (Speedy rookie Chris Brazzell II) gives us the opportunity to move him inside a little bit more. We can pop, we can pop T-Mac inside, put Chris at the single. When you have somebody that tall and fast sitting on the single side with the one-on-one matchup, that gives an advantage. Maybe the defense tilts that way a little bit and creates a little bit of space inside.”

Rookie C Sam Hecht standing out

With newcomer Luke Fortner likely entrenched as the regular-season starter at center, rookie Sam Hecht continues to stand out, providing Calanes with a glimpse of the future. As a second-stringer, Calanes said he will continue to work on his on-field communication skillset.

“Sam’s coming along really well and far. Unfortunately for Sam, he’s got Luke right in front of him, who knows how to do all of it. It’s the communication piece really for Sam, the confidence to just say what you see. Say it and say it fast. As he watches Luke be decisive, Sam can certainly do it. And we’ve seen him do it. Coming out of Kansas State, (he) was really just a pro at the position. You know, a true center. And so I’m excited about his progression and just ready to watch him compete. And as we get pads on, we’ll learn a lot more about him while the guys are practicing.”

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