The Carolina Panthers are preparing to face the Los Angeles Rams after a recent 20-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Dave Canales has emphasized the importance of finishing strong and refocusing after setbacks, principles he has instilled since joining the team.
Canales explained, “We’re trying to find our best football and making sure that we compartmentalize each game, win or lose. Just look at the game and what the result was, be specific about it so that we can make improvements and try to shore up some of the things that we missed, and then try to replicate the things that are working for us.”
Safety Nick Scott echoed this approach: “I just think that, starting with Coach Canales, he’s instilled a mentality of, next week. We’re always moving on. And an emphasis on just, ‘We’re going to look at what we did really well from the week before, and we’re going to look at where we need to improve, we’re going to own the things that we did really well, and we’re going to get better at the things we need to improve.'”
Despite their current 6-6 record and remaining in contention for a playoff spot, players acknowledge there is room for improvement following their recent defeat. The Panthers have not lost consecutive games since Week 2 this season; each loss has been followed by a victory.
Receiver Tetairoa McMillan said, “I feel like we had a lot of those this season; we had a lot of highs and a lot of lows, and we do a good job bouncing back, and we just got to bounce back. But then at the same time stay consistent. We want to play in the playoffs, and so we got to win as much games as we possibly can.”
Looking ahead to their next game against the Rams—who are currently 9-2 with a quarterback yet to throw an interception—Scott added: “So the idea is we’re just getting better each week, we’re just adding to the things that we do well. So when guys have that mindset, it can help you move on and not just be hung up on what didn’t go right the week before. We can just look ahead and attack the next challenge.”
Cornerback Mike Jackson addressed how players should handle pressure: “To me, every game is meaningful. Because, at the end of the day, when we were kids, the score really didn’t matter. So I guarantee you ask somebody in your neighborhood would they love to go play (even) a week 15 game where both teams out of playoffs. I guarantee they’re willing to give up everything but their mama and kids for it… It’s just football at end of day… Yeah, we’ve got a lot at stake but at same time it’s pressure business… I’m just going go out there play ball.”
Center Austin Corbett reflected on his experience during his Super Bowl run with Los Angeles: “It’s just a day-to-day thing in practice in meetings… there’s different heightened level focus… even back Super Bowl year like didn’t win game November… So you’d think world’s falling apart nothing really changed but I just kind like this what are this what we’re going do…”
Running back Chuba Hubbard summarized how players intend to respond: “I’ve said it week in week out regardless win or lose we’re just going keep sticking that… Obviously quick turnaround so just got flush it take lessons from last week… And then build off this week.”
