The Carolina Panthers began another important phase of their 2024 season preparations with the start of OTAs. This is a voluntary portion of the process before attendance becomes mandatory in the coming weeks, but most roster members were present as Dave Canales looks to implement his way of thinking ahead of competitive action returning.
Canales has made a good impression so far. He's got everyone on the same page and seems to have reinvigorated the belief within the franchise. There are some significant challenges ahead, but the progressive thinker's concise approach and enthusiastic mindset leave reasons for encouragement.
Laying the foundations for a successful future was always going to be the most crucial objective this offseason. Carolina is currently rock bottom of the league and it's a long road back to prosperity. Everyone is starting with a clean slate, so there could be a few surprises along the way depending on how certain individuals perform throughout the summer.
With this in mind, here are four important observations from Day 1 of Carolina's organized team activities in 2024.
Carolina Panthers haven't heard from Eddy Pineiro
A few faces were missing from the opening day of voluntary OTAs. Eddy Pineiro has been absent for the entire preparation period up to now and wasn't seen during Monday's practice. Some believe this is down to the kicker seeking a new contract. Others are speculating whether the veteran is unhappy about the Carolina Panthers bringing in Harrison Mevis during undrafted free agency.
When probed about Pineiro, head coach Dave Canales stated via Yahoo Sports that he hadn't heard from him. He's just glad to have Mevis around so the Panthers can work on their blocking concepts on special teams.
"We're just focusing on the guys we have. I'm glad we have Harrison Mevis here so that we can actually go through our field goal/field goal block period. We're just focusing on the guys that are here, and I'm sure Eddy's got a plan for this whole thing."
Pineiro has a fight on his hands to make the team looking at his indifferent consistency last season and the intrigue surrounding Mevis. The rookie went 5-for-5 during a drill and had plenty of room on a 46-yard attempt according to those in attendance.
If Pineiro isn't up to the challenge, this job could be Mevis' if he keeps up his impressive start to life in Carolina.
Jaycee Horn's shift
Jaycee Horn has some significant pressure on his shoulders in 2024. The Carolina Panthers look devoid of starting-caliber talent in their cornerback room, so the former first-round pick needs to end his torrid run of injuries to become a prolific shutdown coverage presence during Year 4 of his professional career.
Horn got his fifth-year option picked up, which was a supreme vote of confidence in the player. Nobody is questioning his production when healthy, but 22 games over three seasons just isn't good enough and must change as a matter of urgency.
The South Carolina product knows how good he can be. Horn also revealed he's shifted course regarding preparations physically to avoid any additional health complications based on comments via the team's website.
"I know that without the fans saying that or anybody else. I watch tape, I know what I'm capable of and I still feel like I'm one of the best DB's in this league and, I just got to be out there to show it. So, that's what I'm looking forward to doing. Just trying different things," Horn said. "Obviously, what I did the years before it didn't work, with dealing with injury and it could be some unluckiness, but just trying to switch some up and just start from ground zero and build my body back up."
Starting from the bottom up and adopting a hard reset in terms of his strength and conditioning was the only viable route Horn could go down. Whatever he did before wasn't working, that much is obvious. Looking at different methods to ensure peak performance should minimize the risk of missing more time next season.
If Horn is forced to the sidelines for a prolonged period once again, it'll be a catastrophe. It could also force the Panthers into drastic measures regarding the defensive back, who needs to avoid the injury-prone tag in pursuit of a lucrative new deal when the 2024 campaign concludes.
Ian Thomas catches the eye
After another underwhelming campaign with the Carolina Panthers in 2024, the status of Ian Thomas was hanging by a thread. Those in power were willing to remove underperforming veterans with little financial incentive during a busy offseason. However, the former fourth-round selection got a reprieve after taking another pay cut.
While Thomas gets the chance to compete for a roster spot and should make the team as a blocking specialist, there isn't much confidence in the veteran based on his production since Greg Olsen departed in 2020. This is his final shot at firmly establishing himself, but the margin for error is slimmer than ever before.
According to those in attendance for the opening day of OTAs, Thomas caught the eye throughout. He looked sharp in the passing game as Dave Canales got the tight ends heavily involved. This also included a reception from quarterback Bryce Young that might have gone for an 80-yard touchdown, which was among the biggest highlights from Day 1.
This was a huge step in the right direction, but nobody is getting too carried away.
Thomas has produced starring efforts throughout preparation periods before and fluffed his lines when the real action arrived. Perhaps Canales can ignite a spark under the player - especially considering Tommy Tremble and rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders are also vying for prominent targets - but there is simply no telling for sure.
There is enough of a sample size for fans to approach Thomas' outstanding start to OTAs with a sense of caution. Doing it in a t-shirt and shorts is one thing, but producing when the pads go on in a competitive regular-season setting is something the Indiana product hasn't accomplished since his rookie campaign.
At least this got the fanbase talking about Thomas again. His highlight-reel plays also didn't go unnoticed by Canales, who is pleased to see the player fighting for everything with extra competition for places.
Bryce Young responding to Carolina Panthers' demands
Bryce Young has everything in place to make significant strides in 2024. The Carolina Panthers invested heavily in the offense to make things easier for their signal-caller after a rookie campaign to forget. Having one of the league's most accomplished quarterback developers in Dave Canales is something else that can work in his favor.
There is a lot of hard work ahead and some big adjustments to be made. There's also a small matter of learning a new offensive scheme to factor into the equation. It's a tough challenge for Young, but the early signs are promising nonetheless.
When discussing coaching methods, Young highlighted the attention to detail regarding improvements needed for the Heisman Trophy winner out of Alabama to thrive based on comments via the team's website. The No. 1 pick in 2023 also highlighted the emphasis on repetition to get things right - something that will continue in the weeks and months ahead.
"We're definitely trying to be very detail-oriented, trying to look at small things, and that's what, especially this time of the year, is about. Obviously, it's new, but right now is when you want to be handing out the details, you want to be looking at the little things. There are little nuances that are different from last year to this year that I'm learning and getting reps in, and I think he's doing a great job of making sure that we can, when there's something small, now is the time to correct it, to do it over again, to make sure we get it right so that we can build those good habits."
Canales could be the best thing that's ever happened to Young when push comes to shove. He's galvanized the likes of Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield. He helped Russell Wilson emerge as a superstar. If the head coach can have a similar impact with his new man under center, the Panthers are going to benefit enormously.
We are still relatively early in the process, but one cannot be anything other than impressed by the early connection between Young and Canales. Hopefully, this can be the catalyst behind improved fortunes in 2024.
