3 reasons firing Joe Brady will not change the Panthers’ season
Carolina Panthers roster is still the same
Coaches can teach players, review hours of film, and find tendencies of the opponent to exploit. But ultimately, it is the player’s responsibility to execute each and every week in pursuit of reaching individual and team targets.
By firing Joe Brady, the Carolina Panthers offense has another variable they must contend with. Play-calling may have a different timing cadence or selection variety. Players might also mentally be wondering if they were responsible for his departure.
This does not change the penalties committed or poor execution. Brady can only work with what he is given.
Even though Jeff Nixon is now the play-caller, the 11 men taking the field for each offensive snap remain. No matter who is making the calls, the lack of push by the offensive line, poor pass protection, dropped balls, and a forgotten running game are all still present.
A coaching change doesn’t change that fact, unfortunately.
Ultimately, one expects Brady to either be fired or leave for a head coaching role this offseason.
His firing at this point of the bye week only solidifies the notion that Matt Rhule is lost and in over his head. This was a reactive move in an attempt to buy time and take the pressure off himself.
David Tepper and Scott Fitterer need to hold Rhule to the same standard of excellence they expect from a head coach and not give him a pass on this season. Otherwise, the Panthers are going back to square one.