Panthers HC Frank Reich to resume play-calling duties against Cowboys

Carolina Panthers (1-8) head coach Frank Reich announced Wednesday he will resume play-calling duties in the Week 11 home tilt against the Dallas Cowboys (6-3) this Sunday.

Reich called plays for the first six games of the season before handing over the reins to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. At the time of the change, the Panthers were 0-6 and steamrolling towards a bottom-place finish in the NFL. In the weeks since Brown has taken over, Carolina’s offense has remained mired in futility. In fact, things have gotten worse from a statistical standpoint. Under Reich’s direction, the Panthers owned the league’s 23rd ranked offense. Since Brown has taken over, Carolina has plummeted to 30th, and failed to surpass 15 points in three consecutive games.

“I’m in the position I’m in because of years of being a successful offensive coordinator and play-caller,” Reich said, via NFL.com. “We have eight games left, and I just want to my attention and everything I can do and everything I can bring to bear to help the offense take the next step. It’ll still be collaborative. Thomas is still running the show as far as the offense and all the install meetings and game plans. He’s still at the center. He and I work together like we’ve been all year.

“I trust Thomas more than anybody, and he’s helped me become a better coach and better man. This isn’t about that. This is about the team. This is about us all playing a role we think can help us these next eight games.”

Reich said the switch back is not a reflection of Brown’s ability.

“This will have little or no impact on Thomas’ long-term trajectory. He’s too good of a coach and person,” Reich said.

Frank Reich looking for more production from offense

Much of Carolina’s struggles can be attributed to the play of quarterback Bryce Young, who is experiencing growing pains as a rookie signal-caller in the NFL. Through nine games this season, Young has thrown for 1,560 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions on 62.8% passing. Carolina’s offense has been mired in futility, ranking 30th in yards per game (275.6) and 29th in points per game (17.0).

Headed into a game against a big-time opponent like Dallas, head coach Frank Reich knows the offense must improve — and quickly.

“I would think if you talk to most of the players, they might not admit it, but when you’re going up against a hot team, guys know it’s an opportunity,” Reich said Monday. “Things have not been going well for us as a team. So, it’s an opportunity. It’s a great opportunity to go up and prove that we’re a good football team. You know, we beat one good football team, but we need to beat another good football team. So we’ll all get ready to play a good one this week.

“This team [the Cowboys] is hot. They have a lot of firepower on offense. They have some big-time playmakers on defense. You know, they’re good in all three phases. They’re a well-coached team, and they’ve got a lot of firepower. So, it’s a great challenge for us, and I think our coaching staff and our players are excited for that.”