{"id":191641,"date":"2024-09-27T12:00:37","date_gmt":"2024-09-27T16:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=191641"},"modified":"2024-09-26T19:39:48","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T23:39:48","slug":"panthers-coach-dave-canales-praises-players-focus-on-next-opponent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/09\/27\/panthers-coach-dave-canales-praises-players-focus-on-next-opponent\/","title":{"rendered":"Panthers Coach Dave Canales Praises Players\u2019 Focus On \u2018Next Opponent\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What happens in Vegas, apparently, lingers in Charlotte, N.C. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Following a \u201cVictory Monday\u201d and an off day Tuesday, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/category\/nfl-teams\/panthers\/\" target=\"_self\">Carolina Panthers<\/a> returned to work focused, preparing to face <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">the winless Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. Coach Dave Canales lauded the players for not reflecting on their turnaround effort against the host Las Vegas Raiders, earning a 36-22 victory. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">Canales, however, had injuries to account for.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;It was just real, this real determination and focus to take the next step,&#8221; <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.panthers.com\/video\/dave-canales-give-injury-updates-in-week-4\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Canales told reporters<\/a> following Wednesday\u2019s workout. &#8220;This is a really focused group. I know, I keep saying that, but it really is. They have a real seriousness about the way they go about their work.&#8221; <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As Canales continues to lay down a foundation of locker-room culture, the rookie coach said the team celebrated their first win of the season, after being outscored 73-13 in their first two outings, for \u201cabout 24 hours and then your focus has to go to the next opponent&#8221; and creating a Week 4 game plan. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This one will be done without wide receiver Adam Thielen and safety Jordan Fuller. Both starters suffered hamstring injuries and were placed on injured reserve and will miss at least four weeks. Guard Damien Lewis (elbow) remains questionable.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Panthers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Panthers<\/a> coach Dave Canales opens Wednesday\u2019s <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NFL<\/a> presser \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/QtHW9m5FVS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/QtHW9m5FVS<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1839351393141878792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Young WRs Move Up On Panthers&#8217; Depth Chart <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.panthers.com\/news\/adam-thielen-placed-on-injured-reserve-among-other-moves-jordan-fuller\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">With Thielen shelved<\/a>, Mingo moved up to WR2 and Legette to WR3. Canales expects them to carry the momentum they established in Vegas to the Carolinas.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">During a 0-2 start, the Panthers\u2019 offense performed with little purpose under Bryce Young. The 2023 first-overall draft pick registered a paltry 3.2 yards per pass, creating boos by the fans for consistently throwing behind the sticks against the Los Angeles Chargers. Andy Dalton earned the Vegas start and became the first quarterback to compile a 300-yard, three-touchdown game this season. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Thielen played a big role, hauling in a 31-yard TD with 28 seconds left in the first half, giving the Panthers a 21-7 lead. The 14-year veteran suffered the injury on the play. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Canales is now turning to the younger receivers, like rookie Xavier Legette and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.msn.com\/en-us\/sports\/nfl\/jonathan-mingo-to-serve-as-third-receiver-for-panthers\/ar-AA1rbZQf?ocid=BingNewsSerp\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">second-year professional Jonathan Mingo<\/a>. Undrafted rookie Jalen Coker earned his first spot on the 53-man roster. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They have big shoes to fill, especially with Thielen (out),\u201d Canales said. \u201cThe way he works, the way he goes about his job every day. This is a great opportunity for Xavier, Mingo, David Moore (and) Jalen Coker, who we brought up to the 53. Who can add a spark to the pass game as we continue to develop together? <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cAll the guys got to be ready to step up.\u201d <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Panthers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Panthers<\/a> rookie WR Xavier Legette projects to have a bigger <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NFL<\/a> role with Adam Thielen injured \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/NYWJ3uqKum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/NYWJ3uqKum<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1839349885167878221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Panthers Preparing For Anything Along OL <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With Lewis\u2019 status \u201ckind of up in the air,\u201d Canales said <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/Z\/ZavaCh00.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chandler Zavala will start<\/a>\u00a0if needed. The second-year guard spent most of Wednesday\u2019s practice working out with the first unit.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lewis will attempt to participate in limited drills Thursday and Friday. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;We&#8217;re trying to just push him and kind of see what we can get out of him,\u201d Canales said. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A key free-agent addition, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/players\/L\/LewiDa05.htm\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lewis has helped fortify<\/a> the interior of the offensive line. Zavala appeared in 13 games as a rookie, including seven starts. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Chandler&#8217;s a guy that brings power inside,&#8221; Canales said. &#8220;The thing that we&#8217;re trying to build, this offensive line inside out. And so I&#8217;m really excited to see Chandler step in and have this opportunity.&#8221; <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:279}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">With Hurricane Helene approaching, Panthers grounds crew members started prepping Bank of America Stadium for Sunday\u2019s <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#NFL<\/a> game vs. <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Bengals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Bengals<\/a> \u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/xe0NQtOZSG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/xe0NQtOZSG<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WriterHawkins\/status\/1839348696057880900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 26, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coming off their first win of the season, the Carolina Panthers returned to practice Wednesday to prepare for the winless Cincinnati Bengals.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4299,"featured_media":189462,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[32764,329,5683,32634,40,7661],"class_list":["post-191641","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-panthers","tag-bank-of-america-stadium","tag-carolina-panthers","tag-cincinatti-bengals","tag-dave-canales","tag-nfl","tag-panthers-featured"],"modified_by":"Mike Kashuba","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/191641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4299"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=191641"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/191641\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/189462"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=191641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=191641"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=191641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}