Carolina Panthers head coach shouts out fans after Steve Smith's comments

After Steve Smith called out fans, Dave Canales hyped them up.

Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales enters the field prior to the first half against the Arizona Cardinals the at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers enjoyed a wire-to-wire home victory in their home opener. After two mediocre outings on the road, the Panthers returned home to play in front of their home fans for the first time since an overtime win last season against the Arizona Cardinals.

This came after Panthers legend Steve Smith called out the fans for being "weak-a**" and "fairweather." They showed up in force on Sunday, seemingly to prove him wrong, and head coach Dave Canales took notice of it.

Panthers coach Dave Canales shouts out fans after crucial home win

Sep 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales with quarterback Bryce Young (9) after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The fans erupted when Bryce Young scrambled into the end zone to give the team a 7-0 lead. They never died down, as huge defensive plays marked a 30-0 shutout to give the team a much-needed win. After, Dave Canales was pleased with how the fans were today.

Dave Canales talking about the importance of winning 1st home game and the juice that Panthers fans brought. pic.twitter.com/K5EpqqAv7r

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 21, 2025

"It felt great to be in Bank of America Stadium. The fans, I felt the support," Canales said in his presser. "I looked around, it was all Panthers fans. There was a sprinkling of Falcons fans... I know the guys feed off of that."

Canales also said that was something they saw last week on the road in Arizona and something he reminded his players of. Good fan performance can impact the game in a big way, and that's what happened on Sunday.

He said the team has to get it started, but once they do, the fans can take over and help the team keep up that momentum, which is exactly what happened against the Falcons.

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