South Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers are reflecting on their recent loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, with a focus on self-improvement rather than dwelling on the opponent. Head coach Dave Canales emphasized the importance of focusing inward and critically analyzing their performance without being influenced by the reputation of facing the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.

"Yeah, I try not to make it about the opponent," Canales said Monday. "It's got to be about us. It's got to be about our fundamentals and our execution, the things we're counting on, the consistency of play."

Both Canales and quarterback Bryce Young reinforced that there are no moral victories in professional football. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu echoed this sentiment: "You know, obviously, the Chiefs are a great team," Ekwonu said. "But I think coach Canales and Bryce also made great points by not taking any moral victories."

In terms of player health, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders suffered a neck injury during Sunday's game but was released from Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center by game's end. He remains under evaluation as a precaution.

On-field challenges included handling blitzes from Kansas City's defense. Despite pressure, Young managed 11 completions for 123 yards and a touchdown against one of his highest career blitz rates.

"It's just the ownership of the concepts first and foremost," Canales explained regarding Young's progress.

The Panthers scored on all six red zone trips but converted only two into touchdowns—a point of concern for Canales: "Offensively, I would say that, a couple of missed opportunities, some near misses on a couple of throws."

Defensively, they limited Kansas City to two touchdowns out of five red zone attempts but recognized areas needing improvement.

"We kept them to field goals early on," Canales noted while discussing defensive efforts against Patrick Mahomes and his team.