Panthers OC takes high road after play-calling demotion

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown took the high road after coach Frank Reich resumed play-calling responsibilities after three games, which resulted in a 1-2 record. "This is a grown man's business, and I'm going to handle this the same way I will every situation moving forward and that's as a grown man," he said.

A day after Carolina Panthers coach Frank Reich announced he would reclaim play-calling responsibilities, Thomas Brown entered the press room at Bank of America Stadium for his weekly press conference. The offensive coordinator took his place behind the podium, grabbed a bottle of water and looked around.

“Ready to roll?” he asked.

As the primary play caller the last three games, Brown did not shy away from the perceived slight and public demotion. From his opening statement, it was evident the 37-year-old was taking the high road.

“This is a grown man’s business, and I’m going to handle this the same way I will every situation moving forward and that’s as a grown man,” Brown said. “When you talk about true leadership, the role of a leader is to make people in situations better. So, I’ve been that way, committed to that my entire career before being here, since being here and continue to do that moving forward.”

Regardless of play caller, there’s one certainty entering Sunday’s game against the high-scoring Dallas Cowboys. The Panthers’ offense, which enters Week 11 averaging 275.6 yards per game, the third fewest in the NFL, needs a spark.

Panthers lack offensive punch

Brown admitted to not getting the job done. For now.

When Reich handed Brown the play-calling reigns during the off week, the punchless Panthers were 0-6. Brown earned a low-scoring win over the Houston Texans in his debut but failed to find a groove.

The development of struggling rookie quarterback Bryce Young appears to be hanging in the balance. Over his past two starts – both losses – Young tossed two pick-sixes against the Indianapolis Colts and failed to coordinate a touchdown drive against the Chicago Bears.

When Brown was elevated to play caller, he announced his intention to set an example for other minority coaches. In 2022, there were only four Black offensive coordinators. This season, there are three.
Brown said his short audition shouldn’t be seen as a setback.  

“Personally, and for other people, I would say no,” he said.

The rare chance presented itself and Brown claimed it. No regrets.

“To be given the opportunity or not is out of my control,” he said. “I don’t care what it looks like, if I’m given an opportunity, I’m going to try and maximize it and be the best I can. For things to end up not as good as they could have been ... I’m (still) going to take it 10 out of 10 times.”

'An indictment of all of us'

Panthers receiver D.J. Chark Jr. said after Thursday’s practice the receiver room doesn’t “really care who’s calling the plays. We just run ‘em.”

No matter who oversaw play calling, few have ended positively for the 1-8 Panthers. In an era of wide-open, high-scoring offenses, the Panthers are averaging a paltry 17 points per outing, fourth fewest in the NFL.

Brown isn’t happy. Far from it.

“The overall product, offensively, has not been good enough all year,” he said. “As a competitor, that (upsets) me.”

There’s enough blame to spread around, up and down the depth chart and coaching staff.

“It’s an indictment of all of us,” Brown said. “It’s a collective accountability. There’s no dodging that.”

Especially in today’s social media environment. Unless more players follow Chark’s lead and remain ignorant of the what’s on the internet.

“I don’t really know the perception outside the locker room simply because I’m not on social media,” said Chark, who was listed on Wednesday’s injury report with elbow discomfort, but is expected to dress against the Cowboys (6-3). “Inside the locker room, it hasn’t made much of a difference, at least from my perspective.”

To Brown, it does make a difference.

Were three games a big enough sample size for Reich reverse course? Again, Brown took the high road.

“I have nothing to do but respect the decision … regardless of feelings and emotions,” he said. “One thing a leader does not do is tuck his tail between his legs and find ways to run and hide from conflict or adversity. And so, here we are moving forward. Focus on the Cowboys.”

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