It's pretty unusual l to see major media outlets openly questioning an NFL head coach this early in the season. That several have been so vocally critical of Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales' decision not to play his starters in tonight's preseason finale against the Pittsubrgh Steelers says a lot about the wisdom of that call.

The Panthers held their final padded practice of the preseason on Tuesday and things got a little more heated than they would have liked.

Dave Canales indicated he was OK with his players scuffling during training camp Tuesday, saying the Panthers need "to be comfortable operating" with an edge.