Panthers coach Questions TeamS focus After Loss to Saints
Charlotte, NC – Carolina Panthers head coach dave Canales expressed concern following Sunday’s 17-7 defeat to the New Orleans Saints, questioning whether his team underestimated their NFC South rivals.The loss halted the Panthers’ momentum and dropped their record to 5-5 on the season.
The Panthers appeared poised for a strong start, culminating in a touchdown run by Rico Dowdle that capped a seven-minute, 12-play drive. However, the offense stalled, failing to score for the remainder of the game. Crucial second-half turnovers extinguished any remaining hope of a comeback against the Saints, who entered the contest with a 1-8 record. The defeat marks a setback for Carolina as they navigate a competitive NFC South and strive for a playoff berth.
Canales addressed the possibility of complacency after the game, stating, “I certainly hope not,” according to the team’s website. He emphasized the importance of consistent preparation and execution, nonetheless of the opponent. “Our approach is to come back to work every week…We’re in pursuit of our best football. That was not our best today, and we did not let the things that we’ve been accomplished with come alive today.”
Left tackle Ikem ekwonu echoed the coach’s sentiment, acknowledging shortcomings in the team’s preparation. “The preparation this week wasn’t good enough,” Ekwonu said. The Panthers will need to address these issues quickly as they prepare to face the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday.
