Dave Canales Defends Flea-Flicker Call After Panthers’ Loss to Buccaneers

In a closely contested game on Saturday, the Carolina Panthers fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 16-14. Head coach Dave Canales addressed a critical moment in the game involving a flea-flicker play that resulted in a crucial turnover.

Flea-Flicker Call Explained

Dave Canales defended his decision to call a flea-flicker during the game. He stated, “It was an aggressive call. I knew they were going to play us in single high right there.” The play was designed to exploit the defense’s positioning, but it ended in disappointment.

Running back Rico Dowdle slipped while attempting the exchange, leading to a fumbled ball that the Buccaneers recovered. This unfortunate event occurred when the Panthers were at the 20-yard line and trailing 16-7 early in the fourth quarter.

Impact of Weather Conditions

The game was played under rainy conditions, making the field particularly slippery. Canales acknowledged that these elements contributed to the mishap during the pivotal moment.

Missed Opportunities

• The turnover prevented a potential comeback, as a touchdown or field goal could have narrowed the score.
• The Panthers managed to score a touchdown on their next drive but couldn’t stop the Buccaneers until just 18 seconds remained.
• Despite a strong attempt to rally late in the game, Carolina ran out of time, sealing their defeat.

A win would have secured the NFC South title for the Panthers, sending them to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Now, they await the outcome of the Sunday matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.

Playoff Scenarios

The results of that game will be crucial for Carolina’s playoff hopes. If the Falcons emerge victorious, it would create a three-way tie for the No. 1 position in the division, granting the Panthers a potential tiebreaker advantage. On the other hand, if the Saints win, the Buccaneers would hold a tiebreaker lead over Carolina in the division standings.

As the Panthers regroup, they will focus on improving their chances for a playoff berth, learning from the lessons of their recent loss.