Dave Canales saw some real improvement from his squad in the five games leading into Week 15 against the Dallas Cowboys. This came to an abrupt halt despite the Carolina Panthers being favored for the first time in two years.
The Panthers weren't at the races in this one. Their offense was sluggish and abandoned the run too early. Quarterback Bryce Young took a step back after his recent positive performances. Carolina's woeful defense made Cooper Rush look like a Pro Bowler.
This brought everyone back down to earth. It reminded fans and general manager Dan Morgan of how much work is needed to get this franchise among the contenders once again. Momentum faded away as quickly as it arrived.
The team's long-suffering support is starting to turn their attention to the offseason. Carolina is projected to have a top-three draft selection as things stand. That's not Canales' concern — he'll be more interested in improving on the 3-11 record down the stretch and nothing more.
With this in mind, we predicted how the Panthers could fare during their final three regular-season engagements before everyone goes their separate ways.
Predicting the Carolina Panthers' final three games of the 2024 season
Carolina Panthers vs. Cardinals - Week 16
- Date: Sunday, December 22
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium
- TV channel: FOX
Next up for the Carolina Panthers is their last home contest of the 2024 season. Dave Canales will be looking for the correct response from his players in pursuit of sending fans home with some added festive cheer.
The Arizona Cardinals won't be doing them any favors. They haven't given up hope of making the playoffs at 7-7. Winning out and hoping results go their way could see them make the knockout rounds against all odds.
This is a dangerous opponent. The backfield tandem of Kyler Murray and James Conner could cause untold problems for Carolina's failing defense. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and promising tight end Trey McBride are other threats the Panthers must take seriously.
- Prediction: Carolina Panthers win (4-11)
Predicting the Panthers to win after such a torrid performance versus the Dallas Cowboys is the height of optimism. However, all the pressure is on Arizona, which is something Dave Canales could potentially use advantageously if his squad returns to the form displayed before their most recent reverse.
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers - Week 17
- Date: Sunday, December 29
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium
- TV channel: CBS
Dave Canales took a leap of faith by leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become Carolina Panthers head coach this offseason. He had just one year of play-calling prowess. This inexperience has reared its head on countless occasions throughout a difficult first season at the helm.
Canales is confident that things are turning around. The quality across the roster is nowhere near the level needed. When that improves during the offseason, we should get a broader indication of whether the former Buccaneers' offensive coordinator is up to the task.
It'll be an emotional return to Raymond James Stadium for Canales in Week 17. This also represents a stern test of Carolina's credentials considering the Buccaneers' form in recent weeks.
Things clicked for Todd Bowles' squad at the right time. Their second-half surge saw them unseat the Atlanta Falcons atop the NFC South. Looking at their performance against the Los Angeles Chargers, they don't plan on relinquishing their advantage.
Baker Mayfield is playing like a top-end quarterback. Tampa Bay's rushing attack seems to be improving and the return of wide receiver Mike Evans also helped greatly. Couple this with the Buccaneers' defense holding their own, it's not hard to see why this will be a tough outing for the Panthers.
Carolina can take great heart from the fact they ran Tampa Bay close in the first meeting between these division rivals. Individual mistakes cost them in key moments, but Canales' previous knowledge of the personnel worked in the team's favor. Hopefully, the same can happen again, although that's no guarantee by any stretch of the imagination.
- Prediction: Carolina Panthers loss (4-12)
It's hard to predict anything other than a Buccaneers' win looking at the current trajectory of both teams. The Panthers won't have any pressure on them, but their defense looks outmatched. They also don't have the best record against Tampa Bay in recent years — a trend that could continue in this one.
Carolina Panthers at Falcons - Week 18
- Date: To be determined (TBD)
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- TV channel: TBD
This game hasn't been given a date or time by the schedule-makers as yet. That will likely become clearer after this weekend with the Atlanta Falcons still fighting for a postseason berth.
The Carolina Panthers don't have that luxury after they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention following a disappointing home loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Dave Canales will be playing the role of spoiler. Whether there will be enough motivation within his squad with an offseason break in sight is another matter.
Atlanta has higher stakes attached to the stretch run. They looked like postseason certainties earlier in the campaign before a demoralizing four-game slump saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seize the initiative. Getting back on track — albeit barely at the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football — doesn't detract from how precarious their situation remains.
Many in the media tipped Atlanta as a dark-horse Super Bowl candidate after splashing the cash on quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency. The veteran's been inconsistent, especially of late. A situation could also emerge where the Falcons start first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. in their regular-season finale if they have no chance of making the knockout stages.
Predicting final games is always difficult. Those who've clinched their postseason spot tend to rest star players. Those looking to enhance their draft standings do the same. It's a minefield that often springs a surprise or two.
Canales won't be thinking too much about that. He'll be more focused on finishing strongly and ensuring his team goes into the offseason enthused about their long-term potential.
- Prediction: Carolina Panthers loss (4-12)
Finishing with four triumphs doubles Carolina's win total from the previous season. That's a step in the right direction, but they remain among the league's bottom feeders.
A significant amount of hard work is ahead for Canales and general manager Dan Morgan to get this downtrodden franchise back to respectability and genuine competitiveness. Just how long that'll take is a topic for another day.