Rookie coach Dave Canales bravely took the blame for Carolina’s futile offensive effort and quarterback Bryce Young’s career-worst 32.8 passer rating in the Panthers’ staggering 47-10 loss at New Orleans on Sunday.
In the season opener for both teams, the Saints delivered a masterclass performance, scoring on their first nine possessions with the ball. Young faced a baptism by fire, intercepted on his very first pass of the season. The Panthers didn’t grace the end zone until Young courageously dashed for a 3-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
“The truth is that it’s our fault and the coaching staff’s fault. We sat there like we were sitting ducks,” Canales admitted. “We didn’t do enough to give our guys easier solutions in some of these cases.”
Canales acknowledged that the Saints “gave us trouble with what they did” and recalled only one instance where Young was to blame for the pressure when he could have switched protections.
“They beat us in that regard. I take it personally,” Canales stated with palpable emotion.
From the moment he was hired as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Canales emphasized the importance of establishing a running game to take the pressure off Young. He explained that the game plan included a heavy dose of the running game, but New Orleans forced the Panthers to abandon it. Carolina managed a mere 58 yards on 20 total carries with a long gain of eight yards.
“The emphasis was there,” Canales explained, visibly frustrated. “We didn’t get the result we wanted.”
Young completed 13 of 30 passes (43.3%) for 161 yards with two interceptions. He was sacked four times in a game that saw the Saints leading 30-3 at halftime.
Carolina’s next opportunity to turn things around is in Week 2, during their home opener. The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) travel to Charlotte boasting a high-octane offense and a defense led by standout defensive backs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The Chargers’ dominant defense recorded four sacks and an interception in their commanding 22-10 home win over the Raiders to kick off the regular season.
