Which Carolina Panthers could end up benefitting most from the decision to give offensive coordinator Thomas Brown play-calling duties?
There were always going to be changes during the bye week. The Carolina Panthers have lost six straight to begin the campaign, so keeping the status quo and pretending everything was rosy isn't an option in pursuit of getting out of their current slump.
Frank Reich got the ball rolling on Monday by confirming he'd given up play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. This was always the natural course of action no matter the record, which has also been largely well-received by a fanbase in desperate need of inspiration.
Brown has the sort of progressive thinking more in keeping with the modern-day NFL. Coming from the Sean McVay coaching tree also brings a significant amount of intrigue at a time when everything is crumbling in Carolina.
The timing is absolutely perfect with the extra week to plan and make alterations to the schematic concepts. But which Panthers could end up benefitting most from the play-calling switch?
Tommy Tremble - Carolina Panthers TE
We've seen flashes rather than anything substantial from a production standpoint where Tommy Tremble is concerned. The tight end had his early development significantly dented by the previous coaching regime, but there could be an opportunity to put his impressive athleticism to good use with Thomas Brown calling plays.
Tremble caught the eye against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6 thanks in no small part to his extraordinary leap over an oncoming defender. This was one play and it's been a small sample size over the last three years, but it's a sign of some wasted physical attributes.
Hopefully, that can change with Brown at the play-calling helm. It would also be a big shock if Hayden Hurst wasn't more involved moving forward.
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
With the Carolina Panthers failing to win any of their first six games, their priorities have obviously changed. No longer is this team hoping for delusions of an NFC South title and playoff appearance - everything should now be geared around Bryce Young's development over their next 11 regular-season engagements.
The rookie quarterback has made encouraging strides since his NFL debut at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Young is looking like he genuinely belongs, displaying the qualities that made him such a highly-touted college prospect en route to becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Thomas Brown is a big believer in Young, that's pretty obvious. The offensive coordinator revealed that he told Scott Fitterer and Dan Morgan during his job interview that the Heisman Trophy winner was No. 1 on his board, which could see things open up in terms of play calls with increased confidence from the person delivering the plays.
Bryce Young has been Thomas Brown’s guy since day one (before the draft and during his evaluation of the quarterbacks throughout the interview process). pic.twitter.com/HeCBdJOmJO
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) October 17, 2023
Adding certain tweaks to the schematic concepts will only help Young. Increasing the tempo, taking more shots over deep and intermediate routes, and relying less on screens should all assist with the signal-caller's growth compared to what we've seen lately.
There was some added creativity to the scripted plays at the Miami Dolphins. Young led the Panthers on two touchdown drives early as a result, which was an undoubted positive even if they weren't able to keep up such momentum versus one of the league's
juggernauts.
Young couldn't hide his excitement about the switch when speaking to the media on Monday. Hopefully, the pair hit it off and finally get this offense clicking for four quarters.
Miles Sanders - Carolina Panthers RB
Hear me out.
There's not been much to like about Miles Sanders' production since joining the Carolina Panthers in free agency. This has been a major disappointment considering the relatively big investment made in the running back at a time when the position wasn't getting much love from a financial standpoint around the league.
Sanders has lacked that explosiveness and vision that played a significant role in his first Pro Bowl selection last season. The play-calling hasn't helped and the banged-up offensive line isn't doing the former second-round selection any favors, but the tide might be turning in regards to his fortunes moving forward.
First, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown will bring a level of innovation that wasn't evident over the opening six games. Bashing Sanders up the middle isn't exactly a recipe for success, so having the player run on the edge behind the two tackles and involved in misdirection can only help at this juncture.
Getting the player out in motion as a useful asset in the passing game should also be implemented with more frequency. After all, it's about time the Panthers started playing to the strengths of its skilled individuals.
There's also a good chance Sanders will be fresh and fully healthy after the bye week. The Penn State product dealt with groin and shoulder issues before missing Sunday's game, which played a role in his subpar production even despite getting medical clearance to participate.
Plus, all signs are pointing to veteran right guard Austin Corbett being back after the bye week, too. That's going to be the biggest boost of all to an offensive line going through some complications on the interior.
All signs are pointing up for Sanders. But the prospect of a committee backfield with Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear cannot be dismissed, either.
Frank Reich - Carolina Panthers HC
It's evident that Frank Reich had too much on his plate over the first six games. Assuming play-calling responsibilities and having to manage all areas of the team is always difficult for any head coach, so he made the correct call at the right time regarding what could end up being a positive change.
Reich doesn't appear to be in any immediate danger regarding his job. Team owner David Tepper is obviously eager to win right now after experiencing nothing but losing since buying the franchise, but the Carolina Panthers have completely different objectives as the NFL's only winless team through six weeks.
Handing over the play-calling sheet was obviously difficult, but it was the correct thing to do. It will also allow Reich to do his job better as an overseer of operations rather than focusing almost solely on devising offensive game plans from week to week.
Thomas Brown stated that Reich would still be involved in the planning stage, but the in-game strategy is all his. This should allow the figurehead to be exactly that within all three phases and become more player-focused for good measure.
This switch could be a win-win for both Brown and Reich if it comes off. It doesn't change the lack of talent from a personnel standpoint, but what it does provide is a chance for the Panthers to get out of the 2023 season with some semblance of respectability.