Will Canales back up his offseason run game talk this week?
Was week 1 an aberration due to circumstance or a sign of things to come? Plus, the week 2 #ParkerParlay and some thoughts on the Charlotte 49ers.
“So, it’s something that I’m gonna be stubborn about. It’s something that I’m gonna be committed to. It’s how you create explosive plays in the play action, but then it’s also how you’re able to neutralize a really good offense on the other side.”
~Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales at the 2024 NFL Combine on running the ball
There was certainly a lot of talk about running the ball this offseason. That was nothing but a bunch of hot air for game one at least.
Did the game script get out of hand thanks to a quick 17-0 deficit? You could say that.
However, Canales had a big hand as to why things snowballed so quickly. For starters, he deferred and I covered that on Tuesday.
He had a choice on Carolina’s first offensive possession trailing 7-0. The first called play was a pass. The Caesars Superdome was rocking after Derek Carr connected on a 59-yard touchdown strike to Rashid Shaheed. Instead of calling a run, he called a passing play for his embattled second year quarterback. The pass was intercepted and a seven point deficit quickly turned to 10.
It’s easy to play arm chair quarterback but on the surface that play call didn’t make a lot of sense given the situation. What also didn’t make a lot of sense was 10 total first half rushing attempts, three each to Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. All three of Hubbard’s carries came on the second drive of the half in the first quarter.
The team that is coming to town on Sunday will undoubtedly run the ball come hell or high water. The Los Angeles Chargers offensive line and running back room have to be licking their chops after watching the Panthers defensive front give up 180 yards on the ground. There’s also the fact that Derrick Brown is out.
If the Panthers come out throwing again as if they are the greatest show on turf and Bryce Young turns in another dud performance, the boo birds from those that decide to attend will get loud quickly.
This may be the least anticipated home opener in the history of the franchise. Apathy and disdain are at all-time highs thanks to Panthers replacing the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns as the dregs of the league. For the second year in a row, the Panthers are offering perfect attendance awards to PSL owners that show up to each game.
For the most part, fans are out on Young. A poor start on Sunday will just add to the angst that many are feeling.
While Young must play better, his head coach must also put him in a better position to win and it starts by running the ball more.
This franchise has an identity that was associated with running the ball and playing hard nosed defense. Canales needs to lean into that and embrace it. Nobody cares how you win games as long as you win.
The Panthers likely aren’t going to win many games this season. At a minimum, Canales must display some type of competency as a head coach. The fans are desperate for something to cling to when it comes to hope. Embracing the running game would be a good first step.
THE #PARKERPARLAY
As you know, the week 1 #ParkerParlay was about as effective as the Panthers offense. I didn’t hit a single leg of the parlay.
But hey, we’re back again! I firmly believe that there will be a lot of rushing attempts in this game by both teams and I’m leaning into it. I also think that Canales will work to find Young some layup throws.
I placed this four leg parlay over on DraftKings Sportsbook.
QUICK SLANTS
I’d be willing to wager that most of the fan based collectively rolled their eyes on Wednesday when Canales said he had met with both David & Nicole Tepper following Sunday’s game. It’s certainly reasonable to communicate with the owner. Given how things have played out here since 2018, most people want assurance that they aren’t driving any single on field or personnel decision.
The media in attendance seemed as if they were in a stunned silence when Canales disclosed he met with the Tepper’s and then wished David Tepper happy birthday.
I mentioned it earlier, but this may be the least anticipated home opener in the history of the franchise. The Panthers will have to find a way to get the crowd to cheer about something.
Not just for the sake of my parlay, but Canales would be wise to get Chuba Hubbard involved early and often.
If the Charlotte 49ers somehow lose to Gardner Webb on Saturday, some serious questions must be asked about Biff Poggi and the direction of the program. Questions should also be levied at Athletic Director Mike Hill, who took a massive gamble by hiring Poggi over Barry Odom. Hill’s most important hires - football and men’s basketball - since 2018 haven’t panned out. While success in other sports shouldn’t be overlooked, football and men’s basketball are what drives everything in whatever you want to call collegiate athletics these days.
If you’re in town and doing nothing on Saturday, go check out the second annual Roaring Riot Kickoff Jam. You can’t beat listening to live music while having a beer and seeing Panthers such as Jonathan Stewart, Mike Rucker and Chuba Hubbard.