New Panthers HC Dave Canales raises eyebrows on Keegan-Michael Key’s controversial joke about Panthers involving Taylor Swift at NFL Honors

The comedian mocked the Panthers over their horrible performance this season.

New Panthers HC Dave Canales raises eyebrows on Keegan-Michael Key’s controversial joke about Panthers involving Taylor Swift at NFL Honors

Dave Canales and Keegan-Michael Key (via CBS/AP)

Ever since Cam Newton led the Carolina Panthers to their second Super Bowl appearance in 2015, the team has gone down a downward spiral. This season, it was no different story; despite having Bryce Young, the first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, as their QB, the Panthers still looked terrible. 

The team had the worst record in the NFL, winning just 2 games and losing 15. It was a rough year that witnessed the midseason firing of HC Frank Reich. Dave Canales was appointed as the new head coach of the Panthers.

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Owing to the team’s struggles, the Carolina Panthers have become a franchise that is at the bottom of all jokes. Recently, comedian Keegan-Michael Key took a jab at the Panthers franchise at the NFL Honors ceremony.

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It was a clever joke wherein he referenced the best and worst thing that has happened in the NFL this season, Taylor Swift, and the Panthers season record.

My understanding is that Taylor Swift is in Tokyo right now. the only people farther from the Super Bowl are the Carolina Panthers.
Keegan-Michael Key said

His joke is a reference to the fact that Taylor Swift, who is presently in Tokyo performing until the 10th of February as part of her Eras Tour, will have to rush back to the United States if she intends to be present to witness Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs attempt to go back-to-back in the Super Bowl.

Dave Canales is confident about the Carolina Panthers having a winning season next year

Dave Canales responded to this joke with just two emojis. The first one is a thinking emoji, and the second one is a diary. 

Dave Canales
Dave Canales (via YardBarker)

It appears as though the words, ‘That’s what you think of us? Wait and watch; we’ll remember this.” were running through his mind. He did not respond with any words; it was just two emojis, which were enough for Canales to speak his mind and construe it however fans wanted to.

Notably, if the Panthers do not improve next season, Canales’ response risks becoming a meme. But if the team does improve significantly, in that case, nobody would doubt the team any further. The head coach needs to bring in a cultural shift within the organization.

Apart from making key trades and smart decisions in this draft, the Panthers have been subjected to a lot of instability in recent years. The team has struggled to find a solid quarterback since Cam Newton, and their woes at the head coaching position have continued. 

All eyes will be on Dave Canales and the Panthers next season, and everyone will have the same question on their minds: will he be successful in leading a resurgence of this team or will he be unsuccessful like his predecessors?

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