Panthers coach Reich likes QB dynamics during OTAs

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers’ top draft pick for 2023, has settled into rhythm taking most of the snaps during organized team activities.

During an 11-on-11 series during the Carolina Panthers’ first week of OTAs, quarterback Andy Dalton zipped a throw over the middle to Terrance Marshall Jr., who reached out to snare the pass.

On the next snap, Dalton, the Panthers’ current No. 1 QB, lofted a pass downfield into double coverage. It was intercepted by Vonn Bell, who took time to celebrate with a few defensive teammates in the end zone.   

Panthers first-year coach Frank Reich is getting his first close look at a franchise in transition.   

“Good day today,” Reich said. “First day of OTAs. It was a chance to go full speed, a chance to compete and stay off the ground, keep guys healthy. All three phases, we did a good job.”   

When asked about the Panthers’ three quarterbacks – Dalton, rookie Bryce Young and third-stringer Matt Corral – Reich said: “I thought they were really sharp, all three of them. There shouldn’t be, but I know there weren’t many balls on the ground today.” 

Following a session on the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium, Reich and the three signal-callers spoke to reporters about QB room dynamics.
Egos appear to be absent. There’s Dalton, the placeholder for Young. The veteran knows it. He’s not fighting it, suggesting he’s embracing his new role. It’s what he signed up for. 

There’s Young, the 2023 top overall draft pick and starter-in-waiting. Is he pushing to start now? He acknowledged the desire, but added he’ll let the coaches tell him when he’s ready.

And there’s Corral, the second-year professional who suffered through an injury-plagued rookie campaign. A year ago, the franchise looked upon him much like they do Young now.   

Bitter? Not Corral, confirming Monday he prefers to stay put.   

“I don’t want to be traded,” Corral said. “I love the people here, love the people I’m around.”   

After spending the first nine years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, Dalton joined the Panthers during the offseason, making Carolina his fifth team in five seasons. He came to Charlotte with an understanding of his primary role: Help develop Young into the franchise’s long-term starter.

Reich named Dalton the preseason starter in part to relieve the rookie from undue pressure.   

“I know the situation that we’re in here,” Dalton said. “I knew coming in [the Panthers] would have the first pick. I know the reality that this thing is going to be Bryce’s at some point. For me, that doesn’t change my mindset on how we’re going to go about it.”

For now, it’s the veteran’s team. To Dalton, it’s about controlling what he can and just “be me.”   

That means zinging the ball one play and throwing wildly on the next.   

Reich was also focused on how the QBs interacted with teammates and the poise they showed on the field with veterans in helmets but no pads. Despite being listed as the backup, Young claimed more first-team practice snaps than Dalton and Corral.

As Reich said, it’s by design and “it feels like we have a good plan.”   

Also, by design, the Panthers split up the squad, pairing Dalton and Young together and allowing Corral to run the third unit on an adjoining field. The Panthers released fourth-string quarterback Jacob Eason to give Corral additional reps, Reich said. And while another quarterback likely will be added before training camp, Corral is preparing to get significant preseason snaps.   

As offseason workouts continue, the coaching staff will look for the quarterbacks to refine their “execution, decision-making, timing and accuracy,” Reich said, with the understanding there will be good throws and bad from all three.

Dalton likes the dynamic of the QB room, led by coach Josh McCown.   

“I’ve known Josh pretty much my entire NFL career,” Dalton said. “We’ve been friends before he got this job and I came here. It’s really cool for me to be in that room.”

Comments