Since taking over the head-coaching responsibilities of the rebuilding Carolina Panthers last February, Dave Canales continues to exude optimistic enthusiasm.
Before most post-practice press conferences, the rookie coach famously starts with a variance of: “Another great day …”
Sunday’s post-game speech was a bit different. Following a 22-16 loss to the host Philadelphia Eagles, Canales didn’t sound overly enthusiastic. After rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette dropped a potential, last-minute, game-winning touchdown pass, he delivered pointed criticism.
Should the play have been made?
Absolutely,” Canales said, per Panthers.com
A first-round draft pick last April, Legette continues to endure an uneven first season with the Panthers. Credited with three drops on the final drive, including a wide-open attempt near the goal line with 45 seconds remaining after quarterback Bryce Young scrambled to keep a broken play alive.
“That’s the big play we’re counting on,” Canales said. “He’d be the first one to tell you he’s gotta make that play. Bryce steps up, makes a beautiful throw. Those are the plays we have to find a way to make.”
Legette, who sustained a big first-quarter hit, briefly departed, but returned after being cleared by medical personnel. He finished with just two catches for 39 yards on eight targets.
“I thought I caught that,” Legette told reporters after the game. “Then I just watched the video, they just put the replay up, I ain’t know it hit the ground.”
Young completed 19 of 34 passes for 191 yards, one touchdown and an interception, but could not overcome Legette’s drop as the Panthers (3-10) missed on their third consecutive upset opportunity.
Xavier Legette drop of the year
— GoldBoys.com (@GoldBoysSupport) December 8, 2024
Quick Outs
The NFC East-leading Eagles (11-2) qualified for the playoffs with their ninth consecutive win Sunday. … The Panthers’ offense was called for two delay-of-game penalties, including one on their final drive. … Following injuries to rookie Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Raheem Blackshear (chest), the Panthers were left with Chuba Hubbard, who carried the load with 92 yards on 26 attempts and one touchdown. … Top cornerback Jaycee Horn, who has been dealing with a sore groin recently, reaggravated the injury and was replaced by rookie Chau Smith-Wade. … Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who had 124 yards Sunday, leads the NFL with 1,623 yards and broke the franchise’s single-season rushing record. LeSean McCoy compiled 1,607 yards in 2013. … Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble, whose father played for the Eagles in 1995, scored his first TD of the season.
Optimistic Dave Canales on each #Panthers #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/29Hyz8leWG
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) August 30, 2024
