As the Carolina Panthers prepare to open their 2025 NFL season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, several key storylines are emerging around the team’s preparations and roster changes.
The Panthers have a notable history of starting their seasons in Jacksonville, having done so in both 2003 and 2015—years that saw them reach the Super Bowl. However, head coach Dave Canales emphasized that this year’s focus is internal. “Three great days on the field, great practice and preparation by this group,” Canales said Friday. “And excited really to just get out there and play a game, which they all are, you know, I can tell they’re just kind of chomping at the bit to get back to football here.”
A major point of interest is how the Panthers will approach their opening drive. Last season began with an interception on the first play from scrimmage. Canales addressed his approach: “I think that’s always the mentality I think in my dream of all dreams,” he said. “You just go out there and whether you’re on offense or defense, you put your best foot forward.” He added, “With the other hand, I also say look, regardless of what happens early, you just go to the next play, you go to the next series, you just keep grinding, you keep battling, you keep pounding as we say. I think that that’s gotta be the mentality.”
Quarterback Bryce Young echoed this sentiment about staying focused on each game as it comes. “We take it game by game, no matter what it is, it’s the most important game that we have, because it’s the next one because it’s all we got,” Young said. “Our focus is Jacksonville, and we don’t have a right to look towards other weeks or down the season. Right now it’s all about Jacksonville, so that’s our mentality.”
Wide receiver Xavier Legette enters his second year after spending significant time working on reducing dropped passes during offseason training sessions. With Adam Thielen traded and Jalen Coker placed on injured reserve—and rookie Tetairoa McMillan joining him—Legette aims for increased production in 2025.
“Oh man, it’s always been something I’ve done, and I don’t know why, but I felt like I could take a little breath,” Legette told Panthers.com back in late July. “And when you’re playing in this game, you can never do that. It’s always a way to get better…What can I do to have less drops this coming season in Year 2? The whole mindset has changed…I’m sacrificing a lot of things that I used to do outside of the building to put my work inside the building.”
Canales praised Legette’s work ethic: “He’s a grinder, sometimes he’s a little bit of an overworker,” he said. “…but I think it’s just the play and play out energy that it requires to be a great receiver…I’m really proud of…his willingness to be coached…”
At tight end, Tommy Tremble returns after recovering from back surgery earlier this year. Canales noted Tremble’s progress: “He looks great. I mean, as good as I remember maybe better,” he said this week. Tremble’s absence during camp allowed Ja’Tavion Sanders more first-team reps; both are expected to contribute significantly after combining for solid numbers last season.
“These guys are like the heart and soul of what we do,” Canales said regarding his tight ends group before discussing their versatility within offensive schemes.
On defense, Pro Bowl tackle Derrick Brown returns after missing most of last season due to injury—a development seen as crucial for Carolina’s defensive line performance.
“It’s been a long road…But just to be able to be healthy now I’m excited about that…” Brown said ahead of Sunday’s matchup.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero highlighted Brown’s importance: “We’re excited about the group we have up front right now…Obviously it starts with Derrick Brown…all those guys have done a really good job…he’s gonna be a major factor…”
Brown stated any nerves had dissipated during training camp: “I think that was day one of camp…just to be able to go out there…that kind of took all nerves away.”
Rookies are also expected to see action on defense following offseason investments at multiple positions including edge rusher Nic Scourton and safety Lathan Ransom.
“I think in college I was a bigger end and didn’t use my power and strength enough,” Scourton explained regarding his offseason adjustments.
Evero commented on preparing young players for regular-season speed: “…as soon as you hit that first regular season game like speed increases even another level …that’s what we have to be ready for.”
The Panthers’ opener against Jacksonville will provide answers regarding these developing storylines as they seek improvement over last year’s results.
