Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales Responds to Falcons Legend Matt Ryan’s Trash Talk Ahead of Week 11 Showdown

🔥 The long-standing rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers just got reignited. Not by a game-winning drive, but by a sharp comment from legendary quarterback Matt Ryan, now serving as an analyst for CBS Sports.

Just days before the Week 11 showdown, Ryan made headlines with a pointed remark during pregame analysis:

“Let’s be honest. The Panthers haven’t looked like a real threat in the NFC South for a while now. I’ve played against them for over a decade, and unless something changes fast, they’re just not in the same tier as the top teams.”

Though delivered with a calm tone, the underlying message was clear. Ryan believes Carolina is no longer in contention, and fans took notice.

🗣️ Dave Canales responds: “We don’t need lessons from the Falcons”

When asked about Ryan’s remarks, Panthers head coach Dave Canales didn’t hold back. Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, Canales shot back with conviction:

“We respect what Matt has done in his career, but if you ask me, the Panthers don’t need lessons from a team we’ve beaten plenty of times in recent years.”

Canales added that he will not let outside noise distract the locker room, but admitted the comments would be used as fuel heading into Sunday’s battle.

🔥 A history of bad blood

Matt Ryan is no stranger to throwing shade at the Panthers. Longtime Carolina fans remember his infamous 2012 outburst, when he shouted "Get the [expletive] off our field!" at Panthers players after a win. That moment ignited a firestorm that still lingers in this rivalry.

Over the years, Ryan has repeatedly boasted about being the only quarterback to defeat the 15 and 1 Panthers in 2015. Even now, as an analyst, he has not toned it down.

🏈 Week 11: More than just a game

For Dave Canales, now in his first year as head coach, this is more than a tactical test. It is a gut check against a division legacy that refuses to forget. And thanks to Matt Ryan’s commentary, this matchup just got a whole lot more personal.

Fans should expect a fiery and emotional showdown, where the stakes go far beyond the scoreboard. Because this week, it is about pride, history, and proving who truly belongs.