Bryce Young, the top overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, struggled to live up to the hype. In 16 games, the former Alabama signal-caller recorded 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for a 59.8 completion percentage. He also had six lost fumbles and was sacked 62 times, which is the second-worst mark behind Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell in 2023.
So when the Carolina Panthers brought in Dave Canales to be their next head coach, he was given the task of turning Bryce Young and the team’s fortunes around after an ugly 2-15 season.
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Fortunately, according to reports, Bryce Young is upbeat about working with Dave Canales because of his impressive track record of handling quarterbacks.
Why is Bryce Young excited to have Dave Canales?
Before joining the Indianapolis Colts, Dave Canales was the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Under his tutelage, starting quarterback Baker Mayfield had a career season, which helped the team make a surprising run to the NFL playoffs.
Before his one-year stay in Tampa Bay, Geno Smith had his breakout year in 2022 with Dave Canales as his quarterbacks coach. Dave Canales had been around in Seattle for 13 years, having also worked with Russell Wilson.
Dave Canales is often praised for his positive energy and calm demeanor, and the 42-year-old coach hopes to bring the same vibes to Carolina, with Bryce Young leading the way.
Dave Canales is ready to embrace the Bryce Young challenge
The reasons why Dave Canales was praised by his colleagues were on full display during his introductory press conference for the Carolina Panthers, as he said he was “fired up” to work with his new quarterback.
“The more that I got ready for this interview, I started watching Bryce, looking at my notes from his (pre-draft) evaluation, and I just got more and more fired up about the opportunity to have this amazing talent,” said Canales about Young.
“And he’s the guy. He’s the right guy that you all talk about when you have that quarterback, that save-the-franchise type of player. And that got me really excited,” added Canales.
It remains to be seen whether Bryce Young and Dave Canales can form a fruitful partnership. But one thing is for sure: the two of them are on the same page in terms of building a winning culture in Carolina.
