The Carolina Panthers took a step forward under head coach Dave Canales in the 2025 season, winning the NFC South for the first time in over 10 years. Although they didn't win a playoff game, it was a successful season.

Now, the goal is to build on that season and improve in 2026. The Panthers need to take a step forward and make sure they not only win the division again but also win a playoff game.

If the Panthers want to be true contenders in the NFC, this will be a key step in that. 

That starts with quarterback Bryce Young's improvement and consistency as well as how head coach Dave Canales prepares his team because nothing is given in the NFL. 

Now, as we are under a month away from training camp, one NFL analyst believes the duo have 'a lot to prove' here in 2026.

While the Panthers made the playoffs last season, they did so with a 8-9 record and winning a tiebreaker. It still counts but with the team essentially 'backing in' to the playoffs the 2026 season will be big for them to prove they belong. 

NBC Sports' Zachary Kruerger believes their fate will lay in the hands of both Young and Canales:

They backed their way into the playoffs with an 8-9 record, losing three of their last five games, and went just 2-5 last season against teams with winning records, per TruMedia. It wouldn’t be accurate to say that 2026 is a make-or-break year for Canales, who was hired in 2024 for his offensive prowess and successful one-year stint as the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator, but it goes without saying that he and Young have a lot to prove this season after taking marginal steps in the right direction last season.

It's hard to disagree with what he said. But the one thing to note is that more pressure is likely on Young this season.

The Panthers did pick up his fifth year option back in April but have a decision to make in terms of a long term deal. Young needs to prove he deserves a long-term deal and a big season would go a long ways in doing that.