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On Monday, the Panthers made the decision to go to Thomas Brown as their new playcaller. With the team looking for a spark at 0-6, the team is hoping that this could be the change that does just that. On Monday, the Mac & Bone Show laid out the things that they want to see from Brown when the team return to the field next Sunday in Bank of America Stadium against the Houston Texans.
Run Chuba
While the Panthers did sign Miles Sanders in the offseason, it is clear that the best option in that backfield right now. “He just doesn’t have the burst,” Travis ‘T-Bone’ Hancock said of Sanders. Chris McClain wants there to be a rotation of Sanders and Chuba Hubbard, with the latter getting the bulk of the carries. “Make Chuba the feature back in the backfield. Forget about the contract that you’re paying Miles Sanders and just do what is best for this team. So far this year, Hubbard is averaging 4.5 yards per carry while Sanders is averaging just 3.1.
Use Boot and Waggles
The Panther offensive line has suffered a lot of injuries so far this year and it has led to a lot of struggles in pass protection, especially from the guard. One of the easiest ways to alleviate pressure on the quarterback is to get him out of the pocket and that is something the boys want to see Thomas Brown do more of starting next Sunday. “I just like the idea of getting Bryce out of the pocket,” said McClain. “Maybe it’s a run-pass option, maybe he could take off, maybe, as a point guard, get him out there and let him draw the defense and make the pass.”
Play With Tempo
The Panthers haven’t done this often so far this year, but it has been effective whenever they have used it. “Bryce is playing really well at tempo,” said McClain. “Granted, it was late in games against New Orleans and Detroit, but I wanted to see it and I want to see more of it.” McClain thinks that games coming out of the bye week against Houston, Indianapolis and Chicago are perfect games to use it with offenses that aren’t nearly as lethal as the ones that they have played in the last two weeks.
Involve the Tight Ends More
Hayden Hurst has been a disappointment so far this season, but this group’s involvement is something that Hancock wants to see down the stretch. “Tommy Tremble has shown flashes the last couple of games. Maybe you get him more involved. We talked about what a freakish athlete he is and if Tremble is going to make plays where he is leaping over guys and catch touchdowns. let dial things up for him.”
