Why hasn't DC's suspected change on the RBs been highlighted here?

[TD alt]

I have been paying so little attention after losses (and wins, actually, because I'm mildly excited by them), that I missed Dave's seeming change of heart on Rico and Chuba. 

Just when I criticized him for not being able to make the tough decisions and wanting to be Mr. Politically Correct nice guy, when asked about the timeshare between Chuba and Rico, he says:

 

"We cannot ignore the fact that Rico has been exceptional in a couple of games and in the opportunities he's had over the last two weeks. He's made some excellent plays, love the tempo and violence that he's running with. And these are all things we're talking about and working through this week as we look back on these last four games and really taking a snapshot of what's been successful for us. These are conversations that we do definitely have to have."

 

On basically whether or not it was his job to keep the RBs "happy," DC replied:

 

"Yeah, that's not the goal," he replied. "The goal is to make sure we put the right guys out there. That's my job. So I really do have to look at that and evaluate it and make the best decision for the Panthers, collectively. And for me, I have to make sure I keep it about the football."

 

So now all of a sudden, he knows his job. Well, some of you might say that he always knew his job. My response is that he surely wasn't putting it into action. You watch what people do, not what they say. And that even applies here. We'll actually see if his actions match the words of his newfound epiphany pertaining to our two top RBs., something that we saw a couple of weeks ago (or at least a week ago). 

 

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/panthers/2025/10/27/panthers-week-8-dave-canales-rico-dowdle-chuba-hubbard/86923984007/

 

Edited 5 hours ago by TD alt

[PleaseCutStewart]

Sounds like the pressure of all the fans wanting him fired might finally be getting to him...

That, or Rico said "trade me now if you aren't going to make me the lead back"

[CarolinaRideorDie]

I posted in another thread about how Canales is just talking out of his ass. He critiques Evero for not playing younger guys who are outperforming vets on defense but he won't play Rico over Chuba? He was quick to bench Bryce last year when it wasn't working, why won't he play Rico now? Dennis Cox and Chris Lee are reporters who cover the Panthers on 99.9 the Fan and they say Canales not giving Rico more plays was "incredibly irresponsible as a HC." I agree and if he starts Chuba this week, I hope Tepper gives him the Frank Reich treatment. 

[frankw]

It's plainly obvious he was trying to appease both players simultaneously which completely tracks with his persona as a head coach here to this point. That's been the legitimate question and criticism about him. He checks all the boxes when it's time to look good and sound positive and cool in front of a camera before any games have been played but when it comes down to the actual nitty gritty and having to actually navigate difficult situations he just looks out of his depth. This isn't even mentioning how alarmingly regularly his team has been blown off the field through his time here.

He's either going to adapt and get better or he's going to continue to sink and get himself fired.

Edited 5 hours ago by frankw

[strato]

I touched on it, before what you are referencing came out. 
Pre game in the week he said he liked the split and he liked two fresh RBs etc etc

In the postgame he said he would look at it  

That was a shift and portended a reversal. Or maybe a change. 
 

I looked an an analysis of the carries vs Buffalo and without going in the differences in the plays called for each guy, the film showed Chuba wasn’t getting good execution from his blockers  

And that Rico did get better cooperation. 
 

For instance, XL got flagged for holding on Chuba’s biggest run  tricky tack call but there were things on almost every play by other guys  

So he would see that as well, but regardless, the wind is blowing in one direction. 

 

Edited 5 hours ago by strato

[Waldo]

I forgot to run the guy who just had 2 great games of almost 200 yards a pop, then the Jets game they almost gave away while trying to figure out how to work Hubbard back in some and then went agaisnt a poor run D while getting blown out not running Rico. DC ain't it

[t96]

Let’s wait to see some proof in game action first. I don’t totally believe him

[Panthera onca]

No one is saying much because no one believes Canales until he actually starts Rico and gives him time to get into rhythm. Dave is a smooth talking snake oil salesman most of the time.

 

[TD alt]

6 minutes ago, Panthera onca said:

No one is saying much because no one believes Canales until he actually starts Rico and gives him time to get into rhythm. Dave is a smooth talking snake oil salesman most of the time.

 

So, a more handsome, thinner version of the Nebraska coach.

[Panthera onca]

4 minutes ago, TD alt said:

So, a more handsome, thinner version of the Nebraska coach.

I never thought about it like that but damn you are right!

[frankw]

3 minutes ago, TD alt said:

So, a more handsome, thinner version of the Nebraska coach.

He's actually the opposite. Matt Rhule tried to lord over everything and everyone and micromanage every little detail with the franchise. But Canales is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. He can't even dictate what he wants to his defensive coordinator. And he can't bring himself to sit a highly paid running back in favor of another who is clearly performing at a much higher level. The question is just how much involvement the Tepper's have in this process. We already know they essentially forced Evero to stay thus forcing him on their new head coach. Is Canales allowed to make these decisions without checking with the higher ups first? It's a legitimate question that needs to be asked. Because even if we fire this guy we could very well find ourselves right back where we started with essentially another puppet.

[Tr3ach]

35 minutes ago, PleaseCutStewart said:

Sounds like the pressure of all the fans wanting him fired might finally be getting to him...

That, or Rico said "trade me now if you aren't going to make me the lead back"

I think Chubba has been here for years, he has always been first in last out, a great locker room guy, and allegedly epitomizes everything you want in a Panther.  I dont think its crazy to try to give him 2 extra starts to save his spot.  Especially when the new guy wasn't on the team last year and is on a 1 year deal.

Edited 5 hours ago by Tr3ach

[TD alt]

9 minutes ago, frankw said:

He's actually the opposite. Matt Rhule tried to lord over everything and everyone and micromanage every little detail with the franchise. But Canales is on the complete opposite end of the spectrum. He can't even dictate what he wants to his defensive coordinator. And he can't bring himself to sit a highly paid running back in favor of another who is clearly performing at a much higher level. The question is just how much involvement the Tepper's have in this process. We already know they essentially forced Evero to stay thus forcing him on their new head coach. Is Canales allowed to make these decisions without checking with the higher ups first? It's a legitimate question that needs to be asked. Because even if we fire this guy we could very well find ourselves right back where we started with essentially another puppet.

They have their differences for sure, but both are selling snake oil; It's just that one is likable in his delivery, and one is kind of repulsive and gives off the "full of sh¡t" vibe. The problem now is that I don't know if Dave knows what the hell he's doing either, and admittedly maybe because of that, to me I'm beginning to ask myself if he's full of sh¡t too.

Edited 5 hours ago by TD alt

[frankw]

1 minute ago, Tr3ach said:

I think Chubba has been here for years, he has always been first in last out, a great locker room guy, and allegedly epitomizes everything you want in a Panther.  I dont think its crazy to try to give him 2 extra starts to save his spot.  Especially when the new guy wasn't on the team last year and is on a 1 year deal.

You play to win the game.

Worrying about feelings is how we ended up with Andy Dalton way past his expiration date.