South Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE – For a few minutes on Sunday morning, Shaq Thompson entertained fans and teammates with an impromptu worship karaoke set as Kirk Franklin's music played over the speakers. The tempo soon picked up, and the Panthers resumed their third padded practice of training camp.

"That's the work I was looking for right there. We've been building to this," said Canales following the morning practice. "A great finish to the practice, high energy, practice for sure."

The finish encapsulated what Canales wanted from his team, though it did not start that way for the offense. Despite some initial successes in one-on-ones and runs during the first team drill, the defense dominated early.

"There was a significant difference in how we started the practice from defense to offense. Defense showed up play one ready to rock with physicality and all that. Offensively, we kind of worked our way through the first group," Canales explained.

Training camp victories are often fleeting; one week favors one side of the ball, then shifts to the other. This has been evident in Charlotte through the first two weeks. However, after an early run portion, Bryce Young rallied the offense.

"After that period, we called the offense up, Bryce called the offense up and let us know like we slacking already," running back Miles Sanders said.

Canales views Sunday's slow offensive start as a teaching moment and appreciates Young's leadership in challenging his teammates rather than relying on coaches.

"The difference between this year and last year is we don't need the coaches to give us rah-rah speeches," Sanders shared. "If certain players on the team see a downfall...then the players are in charge to keep that stuff going and bring it back up."

Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu echoed Sanders' sentiment about self-motivation within the team. Once energy levels matched across phases, Canales saw a competitive team emerging.

"What I'm looking for is energy to match on all phases," Canales said. "It's not how you start; it's how you finish."

Rookie receiver Xavier Legette left practice midway through due to an issue with his lower leg but appeared fine while leaving on a cart. Canales stated they would evaluate him as a precaution.

The offense finished strong in red zone drills with Bryce Young leading a successful drive culminating in a touchdown pass to rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders.

"Just a natural football player...finds a way to get open," Canales remarked about Sanders.

Young's off-schedule plays have been emphasized during training camp, helping build chemistry with receivers like Diontae Johnson.

"I feel like I'm definitely improved...being able to sense where Bryce is at," Ekwonu commented regarding pass protection adjustments for Young's mobility.

While Canales' past offenses favored deep throws, such plays have been rare so far in Panthers training camp due partly to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's effective schemes. However, Canales anticipates more deep ball attempts as camp progresses.