“I think it’s important with this stretch, you know, as we’ve talked about, for every Sunday at 1 o’clock for a lot of weeks in a row and just wanting to try to give a little bit of mental space, the physical space, obviously, for recovery,” explained Canales. “But then there’s a mental, emotional, and a spiritual part to just reconnect with yourself, reconnect with your family after you get your work done here, and then we can regroup and take the next step.”
To Brown’s original point, there is still a lot to do in building a team. However, as the Panthers define and refine their identity and approach, the process will become increasingly streamlined.
“At this point now, we’re seeing what concepts are working for us in all the different phases,” explained Canales. “And you know we can really target those things in a focused manner and be efficient with our time.
Of course, the day off didn’t stop players from patrolling the halls of Bank of America Stadium, whether they were getting rehab, meeting with coaches, or preparing for the next opponent. Or for some guys, like Tommy Tremble, being a good friend is a priority.
“I’m helping a few friends move to different apartments and stuff like that,” shared Tremble. “So while we have the free time, I’m trying to help out teammates.”
Then there’s Ikem Ekwonu, who is using his Victory Monday perhaps best of all.
“It was pretty much the exact same for me. I went in, you know, got my lift in, got some treatment in, and everything like that—so pretty much the same.
“I might go grab some pie, some dessert or something, you know, celebrate…I don’t know if it’s in season yet, but I do love a good peach pie, so I might have to find the store, maybe hit Harris Teeter or something, and see if they have them in stock.”
Here’s to hoping Ickey finds his peach pie.