As the Carolina Panthers prepare to host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16, Head Coach Dave Canales has emphasized the importance of resilience and execution following a series of narrow defeats. The Panthers, currently holding a 3-10 record, have demonstrated competitive spirit but have struggled to close out games, leading to a three-game losing streak.
In recent matchups, the Panthers have been on the verge of upsets against formidable opponents. In Week 12, they rallied to tie the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, only to lose 30-27 after a last-minute field goal. The following week, a late-game fumble in overtime against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers resulted in a 26-23 loss. Most recently, a dropped touchdown pass in the final moments led to a 22-16 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Coach Canales addressed these challenges, stating, “We need to find a way to win these games, find a way to close it out. It’s about making our tackles, making our catches… all the things that we can control.” He emphasized the team’s need to capitalize on opportunities and minimize errors, particularly in critical moments.
Quarterback Bryce Young, despite the team’s struggles, has shown improvement. He has thrown a touchdown in six consecutive games and has demonstrated increased poise under pressure. However, Young’s performance in the recent 30-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was marred by four turnovers, including two interceptions and two fumbles. Coach Canales reaffirmed his confidence in Young, confirming that he will remain the starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Cardinals.
The Panthers’ offense has shown signs of progress, surpassing 300 yards in each of the last four games—a feat achieved only three times in the first nine contests. Running back Chuba Hubbard has been a bright spot, becoming the sixth Panthers running back to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season. Despite these individual achievements, the team has struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities in the red zone, issues that Coach Canales aims to address in preparation for the Cardinals.
On the defensive side, the Panthers have faced challenges in stopping the run and getting off the field on third downs. In the loss to the Washington Commanders earlier this season, the defense allowed 214 rushing yards, a performance Coach Canales described as “humbling.” Improving defensive execution will be crucial against a Cardinals team looking to exploit any weaknesses.
The upcoming game against the Cardinals presents an opportunity for the Panthers to break their losing streak and build momentum. The Cardinals are dealing with their own challenges, missing key starters such as left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. These absences could provide the Panthers with opportunities to exploit mismatches on both sides of the ball.
Coach Canales has emphasized the importance of focusing on execution and maintaining a positive mindset. “Our pursuit is to try to find a way to continue to take care of the ball and make our plays,” he stated. The team has been working on correcting mistakes and improving situational awareness in practice, aiming to translate these improvements into game-day success.
As the Panthers prepare for the Cardinals, the focus remains on finishing strong and building a foundation for the future. With two games remaining in the season, Coach Canales and his team are determined to demonstrate growth and resilience, setting the tone for the offseason and beyond.
