Adam Thielen explains what's different for the Panthers under Dave Canales

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen didn’t think he’d be going through his second coaching change in as many years following his move from Minnesota, but the preseason preparations so far have him feeling pretty good about the team’s decision to hire Dave Canales. On the Rich Eisen Show last week, the 1,000-yard receiver outlined the differences he’s noticed within the Panthers facility since Canales took over at the helm.

“One of his strengths is just his confidence and intentionality,” Thielen said. “He’s very intentional about everything he does. Everything has a purpose, a plan, a reason. And he’s going to explain the why. He’s not just going to say ‘hey, do this.’ He’s going to say why and here’s why we need to do it well.”

“That intentionality, confidence and demeanor, I’d heard a lot about him before… but what’s really stood out to me is the cool and calmness with having that passion, it’s very unique,” he added. “I’m all passion, I don’t have calm, cool and collected. He has the ability of riding the line of not too intense and not too calm.”

Thielen is bought-in to what his new coach is preaching to the team on a day-to-day basis, but he understands a lot can change once the games actually begin.

“Like I said last year, things are always great this time of year, no wins, no losses, there’s no adversity, it’s all good right now, every single team thinks they can go to the playoffs and have a chance to win a Super Bowl,” Thielen said.

Canales to shape Bryce Young’s career

The former Vikings star is counting on his new head coach to turn the start of quarterback Bryce Young‘s career around, and in turn, improve the Panthers’ record. Thielen explained why he believes the team hired Canales specifically, over some of the other candidates out there – including Bill Belichick.

“I think that’s why they hired him (for Young), I don’t think they beat around the bush with that,” Thielen said. “This is what Coach Canales’ strengths are. He’s our guy, Bryce. We’ve invested a lot in him. Guys love Bryce, who he is as a person, and who he can be as a player. That was the reason for the hire. There was a why behind that, which is great. That goes to the GM and the owner. That is their mindset too.

“There was intentionality behind who we hired. Who do we have as a team, who do we have as a quarterback? They said let’s hire the best fit for that. It’s cool to see intentionality. The longer you’re around, the more you understand the importance of intentionality.

As an offensive coordinator, Canales had a hand in re-shaping the careers of both Seahawks QB Geno Smith and former Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. That is exactly what Carolina is hoping he can do with their young quarterback this year and into the future.