A year ago, Panthers training camp felt more like a reset. This year, it feels like a real beginning.
Third year quarterback Bryce Young has taken command. First year stars like Tetairoa McMillan are making early noise. And head coach Dave Canales is finally getting the chance to build the team in his image: fast, physical, and competitive. Here’s what we learned during July.
Bryce Young Is Taking the Next Step (And He’s Got Help)
GettyTetairoa McMillan Elevates Bryce Young
Bryce Young didn’t have a perfect July, but he was confident, aggressive, and at times spectacular. One of the biggest reasons why was rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan, who quickly emerged as Young’s go-to option.
The 6 foot 5 McMillan consistently wowed in practice with acrobatic grabs, including a diving catch on a ball thrown behind him and a twisting, high point snag during team drills. His size and ball tracking ability offer Young a clear downfield mismatch, especially in off platform situations.
“I love having a basketball team out there,” Canales said, referencing McMillan and fellow big bodied receivers like Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Adam Thielen. The depth is real: slot veterans Hunter Renfrow and David Moore, along with electric rookie Jimmy Horn Jr., round out what might now be the deepest position group on the team.
Young also showed improvement in red zone rhythm, often connecting with second year tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. But not every throw landed. Young had several near interceptions, including a pair of strong plays from DB Chau Smith Wade, and a pick by Pat Jones II on a misread over the middle. Even so, Young’s control and growing command of Canales’ offense were unmistakable.
Canales Is Building a Tough Team
GettySecond Year Head Coach Dave Canales Looks to Improve Upon First Season
Dave Canales promised a physical football team, and it didn’t take long for that identity to show up in pads.
The first real statement came when rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace leveled Chuba Hubbard, starting a scuffle that Pro Bowl corner Jaycee Horn had to help defuse. Hubbard later brushed it off as football emotion, and Canales called it a natural byproduct of the mentality he’s pushing.
“We want to be a physical team,” he said. “A team people don’t want to play.”
That edge was visible in more than just hits. Horn made a highlight reel interception during team drills then punted the ball in celebration. Tight end Sanders spun the ball in Horn’s face after scoring over him in the end zone. These would be penalties in games, but Canales said he appreciates the energy as long as it’s channeled the right way.
On defense, 2024 third rounder Princely Umanmielen has been a constant presence in the backfield, twice beating starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. Along with second rounder Nic Scourton, Carolina’s rookie pass rushers have flashed “juice” that the unit lacked last year, when the team finished last in QB pressures.
Seven straight losing seasons weigh heavy, but the vibe around this camp is different. As Adam Thielen put it, responding to Chad Johnson’s praise of Carolina’s revamped receiving corps: “We all have a lot of things to work on. But yeah, it’s good to see that people see it’s not just a laughing stock, it’s not just a group to look over. We’ve got to prove that tomorrow, and we’ve got to go prove that Week 1 through the end of the season.”
What We Learned From Panthers Training Camp in July