CHARLOTTE — Dave Canales is always positive, no matter the outside factors. He’s always encouraging and optimistic, even when he’d have permission to be anything else. It’s character traits as much a part of his modus operandi as his baseball hat in recent months. So it was no surprise when he started his regular Wednesday press conference in the same way.
It didn’t take long for the first-year head coach to become reflective and grateful. That’s not uncommon for most people this time of year, but it is a little bittersweet for Canales. Everything this week will be the last for the 2024 Carolina Panthers.
Today was the last Wednesday practice of the season. Tomorrow will be the last Thursday. Knowing this is the last time the 2024 Carolina Panthers will be together, the last meetings, the last lunches, and the last goodbyes.
“Just grateful to just have these days, …