In a pivotal season for the Carolina Panthers, head coach Dave Canales has successfully navigated the challenges of mentoring rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Initially brought in to revamp Young's performance following a disappointing rookie campaign under Frank Reich, Canales faced the daunting task of reshaping a struggling team. Their partnership, while rocky at times, has shown significant growth throughout the season.

After making the difficult decision to bench Young early on, Canales worked to find a playcalling strategy that complemented Young's skills. This collaborative approach has fostered a sense of optimism within the organization, particularly noted by veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, who praised Canales' ability to adapt and empower players. The Panthers finished the season with a 5-12 record but displayed promise in their final stretch, winning four of their last nine games.