Dave Canales explains his approach to getting the most out of the Panthers' offense in 2024

When the Carolina Panthers drafted running back Jonathon Brooks, Dave Canales told the world his approach to the 2024 season.

However, before that, with the additions of Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, Carolina has shown its hand for several months in the lead-up to training camp.

The Panthers will run the ball – and run the ball some more – to take the pressure off second-year quarterback Bryce Young.

"It all starts with the run game and having (guards) Robert (Hunt) and Damien (Lewis) in there because I love our backfield," Canales said via The Season with Peter Schrager podcast last week . "Adding Jonathon (Brooks), an opportunity came to us with a really talented guy. And again, depth, talent, just keep adding key pieces. Challenge your roster. That's what this draft and this offseason was all about. I feel confident that we'll be able to have a successful run game, which, for me, opens everything else up."

Throughout the 2023 season, when Canales was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense coordinator, the team stayed committed to the run game – even when it wasn't all that effective.

With Carolina, the versatility at the running back position could play into Canales' favor.

In drafting Brooks, bringing back Chuba Hubbard, and having Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Rashaad Penny, and Mike Boone, Carolina has several options out of the backfield.

"I see a great combination of some experience, high football character, some talent in spots," he said of his roster. "Now, there's a reason that we were 2-15, and we have to continue to bring more talent into our roster so you fill out the depth of it. The great teams that I've been on in Seattle over the years, up and down, the great ones, you had depth. I think that's really where we are: Can we establish our starters? Can we develop depth? We've got a ways to go."

It is evident, to do so, starts with putting a premium on the run game.

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