This week’s buzzword for the Carolina Panthers has been “simplify.” Or, as head coach Frank Reich would put it, “simplify, simplify, simplify.”
And on Thursday, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown got his crack at explaining the simplicity.
“To me, I think it’s a week-to-week thing when it comes to us understanding where we kinda improve offensively, but also what to correct,” he told reporters prior to practice. “And simplifying things—not just for the quarterback, but also all of us in general gives a better opportunity to be able to execute on a high level. So I think it’s a week-to-week conversation, trying to continue to improve and find ways to put us in the best spot to be successful.”
Prior to this past Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions, a report from CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones noted that the team had been looking to make things easier on rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Jones wrote that the Panthers had seemingly overloaded the 22-year-old with too much information from too many sources—which could, in part, explain the early struggles.
Brown was also asked about Young’s new accessory—his play-call wristband. He confirmed that the wristband, which showed up in Week 4, was a group choice and he believes it’s been yielding some positive results.
“It was a collective decision when it comes to us communicatin’ with him, but also us talkin’ from a staff standpoint about finding ways to limit some of that verbiage you talked about from a pre-snap standpoint,” he replied. “It’s a lot easier to be able to communicate a wristband number versus an entire play call when it comes to havin’ substitutions—guys comin’ out of the game.
“I think it’s definitely been an improvement when it comes to the efficiency, when it comes to being in and out of the huddle—but also sideline communication as well.”
Hopefully for Brown and Young, that communication continues to pick up when they have to duel with the dynamic Miami Dolphins offense this weekend.
