As the Carolina Panthers gear up for the 2024 season, second-year wide receiver Adam Thielen is echoing the hopes of many fans, pinning his optimism on the new head coach, Dave Canales, to reinvigorate quarterback Bryce Young’s career. Thielen, a former Vikings standout, believes that the Panthers’ decision to hire Canales was a strategic move specifically aimed at developing their young quarterback.
In a recent interview on the Rich Eisen Show, Thielen discussed the rationale behind hiring Canales, emphasizing the intentionality of the decision. “I think that’s why they hired him (for Young), I don’t think they beat around the bush with that,” Thielen said. “This is what Coach Canales’ strengths are. He’s our guy, Bryce. We’ve invested a lot in him. Guys love Bryce, who he is as a person and who he can be as a player. That was the reason for the hire. There was a why behind that, which is great. That goes to the GM and the owner. That is their mindset too.”
Thielen highlighted the Panthers’ strategic approach, noting, “There was intentionality behind who we hired. Who do we have as a team, who do we have as a quarterback? They said let’s hire the best fit for that. It’s cool to see intentionality. The longer you’re around, the more you understand the importance of intentionality.”
Canales, known for his work as an offensive coordinator, played a pivotal role in reviving the careers of both Seahawks QB Geno Smith and former Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. The Panthers hope he can bring similar success to their young quarterback.
Reflecting on Young’s challenging rookie season, Thielen praised the quarterback’s maturity and resilience. “I think what he really showed is his maturity over the year,” Thielen said. “I think his ability at times to just be very honest in front of the room and say, ‘Hey, this is what I’m not doing very well and this is what I need to get better at and please hold me accountable,’ I thought was really impressive for a young guy.”
Thielen continued, “His maturity level over the season was really cool to see. And his ability to handle adversity. I don’t know how much adversity Bryce has had over his football career, and to handle the amount of adversity he did, to show up every week, week in, week out, put his head down and work, try to lead to the best of his ability was really impressive, and what makes me excited about Year 2 with him.”
As the Panthers prepare for the upcoming season, training camp in Charlotte is set to kick off next month. Veterans are scheduled to report on July 23, with rookies checking in on July 19. With the new leadership in place and a renewed sense of purpose, the Panthers are poised for what they hope will be a transformative season.
