Rookie coach Dave Canales took the blame for Carolina’s futile offensive effort and the career-worst 32.8 passer rating from quarterback Bryce Young in the Panthers’ 47-10 loss at New Orleans on Sunday.
In the season opener for both teams, the Saints scored on the first nine possessions they had the ball. Young was picked on his first pass of the season. The Panthers didn’t get in the end zone until Young took off for a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
“Honestly, it’s on the coaching staff. It’s on us. We sat there like we were sitting ducks,” Canales said. “We didn’t do enough to give our guys simpler solutions in some of those.”
Canales said the Saints “gave us issues with what they did” and could recall only one instance where Young was responsible for pressure when he could have flipped protection.
“We got outcoached in that regard. I take that personally,” Canales said.
From the time he was hired to leave the post as offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers, Canales preached the importance of establishing the running game to take pressure off of Young. He said the game plan included a heavy dose of their ground game, but New Orleans forced the Panthers out of it. Carolina gained 58 yards on 20 total carries with a long gain of eight yards.
“Emphasis was there,” Canales said. “We didn’t get the result we wanted.”
Young was 13 of 30 (43.3 percent) for 161 yards and two interceptions. He was sacked four times in a game the Saints led 30-3 at halftime.
“From a footwork standpoint, I thought it was a solid day,” Canales said. “I think he missed a couple of throws. I think he’s learning some of his guys. … I also have to give the Saints credit for covering us really well. They made it hard. They forced accurate throws. That’s something we have to make sure we cash in on when we have the opportunities.”
Carolina’s next opportunity is Week 2 in the home opener. The Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) travel to Charlotte with a potent pass rush led by edge defenders Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The Chargers had four sacks and an interception in a 22-10 home win against the Raiders to open the regular season.
–Field Level Media