Panthers face Patriots as Dave Canales Era Begins

by Sharon Thorsland

Football is finally here, even if it is just a preseason game. We’ll get our first look at the Panthers under

new head coach Dave Canales as they take on the Patriots in Foxborough on Thursday night. Optimism

has been high since Canales took over, and guys are ready to see how they stack up against some new

competition. “I’m excited,” said left tackle Ickey Ekwonu. “Definitely excited to kind of see where

we’re at as a team and to go against some other guys besides the white and blue. Definitely excited for

that.”

The 2024 version of the Patriots looks completely different. Longtime coach Bill Belichick is out after

24 years, with his former player and assistant coach Jerod Mayo taking over. Quarterback Mac Jones

has been shipped out of town, replaced by veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake Maye, the third

overall draft pick out of UNC. Maye will likely get plenty of reps tonight, as most of the starters on

both teams with sit this one out. Instead it will be the 2’s and 3’s that get the bulk of the action. That

means plenty of rookie QB Jack Plummer (no relation to former Broncos QB Jake Plummer) and recent

addition Jake Luton.

The Panthers offense will face a Pats defense that ranked 7th in the NFL last season and fourth against

the run, and they’ve got nine of their starters back. Leading the way is star pass rusher Matthew Judon.

The four time Pro Bowler is back from a biceps injury that cost him most of last season. The secondary

is loaded with talent including safeties Jabrill Peppers and former Lenoir Rhyne standout Kyle Dugger.

And outstanding cornerback Christian Gonzalez has recovered from a shoulder injury. Panthers

quarterback Bryce Young likely won’t see the field tonight, but he knows the Patriots will be a good test

for his offense. “Obviously have a ton of respect for them,” said Young. “They’ve had a ton of success

defensively, and we’re all excited for the challenge.”

The Patriots couldn’t score last season, they managed just 12 points a game. So besides bringing in new

quarterbacks, they also drafted a pair of explosive receivers in Jaclyn Polk and Jason Baker. Both have

been impressive in camp and should get lots of reps in this game. Second year receiver Demario

Douglas and veteran tight end Hunter Henry led the team in receiving yards and receptions last season.

The Patriots are expected to run the ball first though, and they have a great 1-2 punch at running back

in Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. Run defense was a weak link in what was a very good

Panther defense last season, as they allowed over 123 yards per game on the ground.

While we won’t be seeing a lot of the starters in this game, Dave Canales expects his team to compete,

no matter who is on the field. And he knows exactly what he’s looking for from his squad. “Great

effort, great enthusiasm, great toughness – I want to see big hits, I want to see physical blocks,” said

Canales. “I want to see great, smart plays in situations. And above all, I want to see us finish the fourth

quarter like we started the game – that’s what I’m looking for.”

We’ll see if the Panthers can live up to those expectations – I can’t wait!