Despite outcome Carolina Panthers ended the game exactly how they wanted

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales found a silver lining in the team’s 15-12 preseason loss to the Jets, focusing on the successful execution of their running game in the final moments. Although the Panthers were trailing by more than a touchdown, Canales was all smiles because they managed to grind out a touchdown with seven consecutive running plays, exemplifying the tough, physical style he wants his team to embody.

Canales emphasized the importance of finishing games strong, particularly in scenarios where controlling the clock and dominating the line of scrimmage are crucial. “Just giving our guys an opportunity to feel what it feels like late in the game, we've got to be able to run the ball. And in my mind, I'm imagining we're in this four-minute world. Can we finish with the ball? Can we finish all the way through?"

Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances—such as a makeshift offensive line and only two available running backs—Canales was impressed with how the team executed in the game's final minutes. “Felt good running the ball the way we want to with that tough style pushing the pile,” Canales said. “Dillon did a great job for us just finishing off the game right there Jake organizing us with about 20 some odd seconds right there To get one more play off. Couldn't help it, too good of an opportunity to finish. So I'm really proud of the way the guys did.”

Rookie running back Dillon Johnson, who capped off the drive with a touchdown, was so exhausted that he couldn’t even celebrate as planned. "I was too tired to do anything,” said Johnson. He did acknowledge how that was the type of situation that you play the game for. “You always want, if you're a big time player, you always want the ball when the game's on the line. And, you know, I did my job.”

For Canales, this game wasn’t just about the score; it was about setting a tone. He envisions his team finishing games by overpowering opponents on the ground, and this game was a glimpse of that vision coming to life.

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