Panthers HC Dave Canales ‘sick’ after overwhelming loss to Buccaneers: ‘We still have a long way to go’

The Carolina Panthers are still not ready to compete with the best in their division.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales spoke to reporters after Sunday’s 48-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a modest loss that underscores their current basement status in the NFC South. He was obviously not happy with his team’s performance.

“Just crazy, you know, almost no chance to play our kind of ball,” Canales said at the start of his postgame press conference. “We were outplayed and overwhelmed in every phase. First, I have to give credit to the Bucs. They were on fire today. They made it difficult for us.”

That fire burned all afternoon for the Bucs, who rushed for 551 total yards and picked up 33 first downs. The Panthers, on the other hand, accumulated 204 total yards and only moved the chains 13 times.

Tampa Bay was led by a five-touchdown performance from quarterback Baker Mayfied, who completed 27 of his 32 throws for 359 yards – his second-highest mark of the season. The victors also got another electric performance from rookie running back Bucky Irving, who outpaced Carolina for 113 yards on 20 carries.

While the Buccaneers remain alive in their quest for a fourth straight NFC South title, the now 4-12 Panthers were left licking their wounds after suffering another disastrous loss. Canales was asked about this bigger picture.

“Yes, we have a lot of work to do. We still have a long way to go,” he replied. “In terms of progress, while we have seen growth in many areas, we have to play hard in this division. And we have to be able to keep up with these guys — offensively, defensively, all those things. So that’s how it is.” The litmus test. It begins with division.

Carolina’s 2024 season ends next week with another divisional test at the Atlanta Falcons.

Related

Studs and duds from the Panthers’ Week 17 loss to the Buccaneers

Panthers fans react to Saturday’s sad news about RB Chuba Hubbard

Panthers G Robert Hunt has an even newer nickname for Bryce Young (but you have to use your earmuffs)

This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers HC Dave Canales ‘sick’ after crushing loss to Buccaneers: ‘We still have a long way to go’