So, what exactly is the strength of the Carolina Panthers offense? Thomas Brown attempted to answer that question on Thursday.
Ahead of the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Detroit Lions, the first-year offensive coordinator was asked about finding an identity for his lost unit.
“That’s a great question,” Brown said. “That’s also my whole point to us when it comes to who we say we wanna be and what we put on tape. I think it all still boils down to being physical at every single position. I think we’ve been that way at times, but we haven’t always been consistent.
“It still boils down to finding, creating and winning matchups. And again, we’ve won some matchups, we’ve had some explosive plays here and there—but it hasn’t been consistent. It also boils down to the stuff that takes no talent. Way too many mental errors, way too many penalties. So, that is who we say we wanna be, we gotta prove that.”
Despite a concerted effort to rebuild their offense heading into the 2023 campaign, the Panthers have struggled to move the ball. Whether it be a punchless passing attack, a sluggish ground game or a myriad of mental mistakes, Brown and head coach Frank Reich are still searching for answers.
Going into the week, the bunch ranks 25th in total yards per game (282.5) and 24th in scoring (16.8 points per contest). The offense was also held out of the end zone entirely in Week 4, as the team’s only touchdown came courtesy of a 99-yard interception return by safety Sam Franklin.
So, perhaps even ironically, the Panthers hope to find that identity this Sunday against the Lions—whom they battered for a franchise-record 570 yards in 2022.
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