And after being dissatisfied with how the Panthers began the 2024 season, Canales changed tactics this year, having the starters play at least two drives in the first two preseason games.
"We have a mix of veteran players, but it's predominantly a pretty young team and I just can't pass up the opportunities, the reps in game are valuable, but I think that it goes to the night before, when guys know they're going to go out there, they go to make a decision to play football," explained Canales ahead of the first preseason matchup.
"And so it starts the night before with the prep. You start thinking about your plan, taking care of your body, and making sure you get your rest. You get up, it's your nutrition plan in the morning, body readiness, you know, kind of just like your full game day routines. Those are so valuable."
As he heads into Year 2, though, perhaps the most significant asset to Canales' tenure is not only his own approach and decisions, but rather those surrounding him. Since arriving, the head coach has preached that this will be a developmentally-minded program, from the top to the bottom of the roster, and from coordinators to assistants.