The Carolina Panthers are heading into the 2026 season with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik taking over play-calling duties from head coach Dave Canales. However, the bigger story is what the change could potentially do for the offense.
If fourth-year quarterback Bryce Young's comments are any indication, the Panthers want to be more aggressive.
"He's definitely been aggressive, which is huge for us," Young said, according to ESPN's Mike Kaye. "So giving them opportunities down the field; try to be more explosive, more dynamic."
That could be exactly what Carolina needs.
Carolina Panthers' offensive shift under Brad Idzik should provide more aggression
The Panthers' offensive structure should still have plenty of familiar elements because Idzik has worked alongside Canales for years. There might also be a few extra tweaks that opposing defenses don't see coming.
Canales said the offense would keep familiar themes while adding new wrinkles. The head coach also praised Idzik's ability to get plays to the quarterback quickly while keeping the offense organized.
Of course, that is something Canales had trouble with over the last two years. If Idzik can improve efficiency, that's only going to help Carolina's cause.
But the real difference could come in how aggressively those concepts are used.
Carolina has the personnel to test defenses more vertically. Idzik specifically discussed finding ways to feature running back Jonathon Brooks' skill set while also maintaining the importance of Chuba Hubbard in the running game. That kind of flexibility should become a major part of the offense.
The biggest thing to watch early in the season is whether the Panthers turn that aggression into production.
Brad Idzik is making a journey into the unknown as an NFL play-caller
There were glimpses of it during the preseason.
Young and the offense put together a seven-play, 58-yard touchdown drive against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The signal-caller made quick throws to tight end Tommy Tremble and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan while also moving around the pocket, giving fans a glimpse of what a more aggressive version of the offense could look like.
Sure, it was only preseason, so there is no reason to overreact to one drive. Still, the concept is important.
Defenses have to respect the deep ball. That creates more room underneath. It can also force safeties to play deeper, giving Hubbard and Brooks more space to operate.
And for Young, it creates more opportunities to make the types of plays that can change a game.
But after two seasons of Canales calling plays, giving Idzik control should finally provide Carolina with a legitimate opportunity to evolve offensively.
If Idzik can accomplish that while continuing to put Young in positions where he can play fast and confidently, Carolina's offense could look quite different by the time the season gets rolling.
And that may be one of the biggest reasons the Panthers have a chance to build on last year's playoff appearance.
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