Panthers GM Dan Morgan Reveals Dave Canales’ Role in Bryce Young’s Comeback
By: Zach Roberts
Posted: Jan 7, 2025 / 09:27 AM EST
Updated: Jan 7, 2025 / 09:27 AM EST
CHARLOTTE, NC — When Bryce Young was benched after Week 2 of the 2024 season, many believed his time with the Carolina Panthers was all but over. The former No. 1 overall pick, acquired in a blockbuster trade, appeared destined to join the list of highly touted prospects who never panned out. But against the odds, Young not only returned to the starting lineup but helped lead the Panthers to a late-season resurgence.
While much of the credit for Young’s turnaround has gone to motivational influences like Rod Wave, Panthers GM Dan Morgan revealed a crucial, often-overlooked factor: head coach Dave Canales.
Canales’ Hands-On Approach
In his end-of-season press conference, Morgan detailed how Canales refused to give up on Young during his benching. “When Bryce went to the bench, Dave essentially went there with him,” Morgan explained. “He worked with Bryce every single day, even when he was running the scout team in practice. They focused on fundamentals, confidence, and the small details that make a big difference.”
This relentless support mirrored comments made by Young himself after the season. The quarterback praised Canales for his unwavering consistency, emphasizing how much he appreciated having a coach who believed in him, even in his lowest moments.
A Risk That Paid Off
The Panthers’ decision to hire Canales, a first-year head coach with just one season as an offensive coordinator, was widely viewed as a gamble. With a resume built primarily as a position coach and assistant, many questioned whether he was ready for the demands of leading an NFL team.
But as the 2024 season progressed, Canales proved his doubters wrong. His ability to connect with players, exemplified by his handling of Young’s benching, showcased his leadership skills and football acumen.
The Road Ahead
With Canales at the helm and Young seemingly back on track, the Panthers have renewed optimism heading into the 2025 season. As Young said following a Week 17 win against the New Orleans Saints, “Coach Canales believed in me when it felt like no one else did. That made all the difference.”
The partnership between Canales and Young may have started
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