Panthers Playbook

<p>Dennis Cox & Chris Lea are joined by former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason to break down the rookie season of Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young, the firing of Frank Reich, what's the biggest need for the franchise, and who might be the next head coach under owner David Tepper and GM Scott Fitterer.</p>

<p>Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss the Carolina Panthers struggling on offense once again as the Panthers lose to the New Orleans Saints, 28-6, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA, as the Panthers drop to 1-12 on the season. Dennis points out that this was one of Bryce Young's worst games, while Chris shoulders most the blame on what's around Bryce Young.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers are the definition of dysfunction, and Chris Lea & Dennis Cox point out how all of the chaos within the organization is hurting the development of rookie QB Bryce Young. Dennis & Chris point out how not many quarterbacks would succeed under these circumstances, and that it's too early in Young's career to determine if he's a bust. An article by Joseph Person & Dianna Russini of The Athletic cited sources within the organization breaking down the lack of communication in the organization, with several staff members going to GM Scott Fitterer and owner David Tepper with complaints about the offense under former head coach Frank Reich, and about how the team is developing rookie QB Bryce Young.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young failed to convert on 3rd & 1 and 4th & 1 late in the game as the Panthers lose 21-18 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first game under interim head coach Chris Tabor. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss of lack of personnel the Panthers have to gain one yard when they need it, and wonder how long before owner David Tepper fires General Manager Scott Fitterer. Chris & Dennis also point out the lack of play-making player the Panthers have, including how few 'big plays' that Edge/OLB Brian Burns has made this season. Dennis Cox also points out that the Panthers lost to a team quarterbacked by Baker Mayfield, whom the Carolina Panthers traded for last offseason with the Cleveland Browns for a 2024 5th-round pick.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have fired head coach Frank Reich after just 11 games as the Panthers head coach. Reich was 1-10. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea react to the firing of Reich, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor becoming interim head coach with Jim Caldwell being special advisor. Dennis & Chris also wonder what this means for the development of Bryce Young and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown regarding the offense, but also who they want to see as the next head coach of the Panthers, with Dennis leaning towards Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and owner David Tepper have fired head coach Frank Reich after just 11 games as the Panthers head coach. Reich was 1-10. Dennis Cox & Tim Donnelly react to the firing of Reich, special teams coordinator Chris Tabor becoming interim head coach with Jim Caldwell being special advisor. Dennis & Tim also wonder what this means for the development of Bryce Young, and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown regarding the offense, but also what the future could be for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and QB Bryce Young struggle offensively in a 17-10 loss at the Tennessee Titans, which means only 10 points again for head coach Frank Reich after Reich took back play calling duties from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss the struggles on offense, how the same mistakes continue to persist when it comes to offensive line play, play-calling, scheme, and communication, while also noting how the defense fails to create big plays. Also, it feels that Frank Reich will be done after the season after losing to Will Levis and the Titans.</p>

<p>Are Bryce Young, Brian Burns, and others worth keeping around long term for the Carolina Panthers? Ahead of the Panthers vs the Tennessee Titans, Dennis Cox & Chris Lea share their thoughts on which Carolina Panthers players will be around not only in 2024, but also 2025. Another major question(s) moving forward: will Frank Reich be the head coach, and/or will Scott Fitterer be the GM? And who will owner David Tepper bring in next?</p>

<p>Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers lacked offensively in a 33-10 loss at home to the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. After dropping to 1-9 on the season, should head coach Frank Reich and GM Scott Fitterer be worried about their jobs, and will either of them be let go by owner David Tepper as soon as this week? The Carolina Panthers had one of their worst offensive showings after Reich took back over play calling duties from offensive coordinator Thomas Brown. Also, Chris Lea spoke to WR Adam Thielen in the locker room about the fanbase for the Carolina Panthers continuing to support the team.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich is taking back over play-calling duties against the Dallas Cowboys after offensive coordinator Thomas Brown called plays for the last three games. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss how this hurts Bryce Young's development, and wonder if Frank Reich is poised to be fired by GM Scott Fitterer and owner David Tepper. Also, it's unlikely Thomas Brown comes back after this season as offensive coordinator.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers managed only 213 yards of offense and 170 total passing yards in a 16-13 loss to the Chicago Bears. Bryce Young and the Panthers failed to score a touchdown while allowing three sacks to a Bears team that only had 10 sacks all season. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea vent about head coach Frank Reich, GM Scott Fitterer, and owner David Tepper for assembling a team that can't compete, but also wonder if the team would be better under former coach Matt Rhule.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young throws three interceptions, including two pick-6 touchdowns by Kenny Moore II, in a 27-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss the struggles of the Carolina Panthers, including both offensively & defensively. Chris Lea also points out that while Panthers fans are upset at Bryce Young, but that the anger should really be towards the front office of owner David Tepper, and GM Scott Fitterer. Also, OLB/Edge Brian Burns is in concussion protocol, and questions about if he'll be available on Thursday Night Football against the Chicago Bears.</p>

<p>The NFL Trade deadline passed with the Carolina Panthers not making any trades. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea disagree on if a move - even a small one - should've been made to acquire future draft capitol. But they agree if the value wasn't there for a guy like Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, or others, then it was smart not to make a move. Kenton Gibbs, former NC State football defensive lineman, joined Panthers Playbook to talk about the struggles of Carolina Panthers LT Ikem Ekwonu, and if his struggles are fixable. Plus, Dennis & Chris look ahead to Sunday's matchup with the Indianapolis Colts, which will see Panthers head coach Frank Reich facing his former team.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers get their first win of the season, beating the Houston Texans, 15-13, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC, as kicker Eddy Pineiro hit a game winning 23-yard field goal as time expired. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss how Bryce Young showed poise on the final, where the Panthers went 15 plays, 86 yards over the final 6:17 to win the game. Chris & Dennis share their thoughts on how the offense looked different under Thomas Brown as opposed to Frank Reich, the struggles of Icky Ekwonu at left tackle, and how the team showed trust in Bryce Young. Also, was this the last game of Brian Burns in a Carolina Panthers uniform as the NFL Trade Deadline approaches? Plus, the Carolina Panthers defense was able to limit Houston Texans rookie CJ Stroud.</p>

<p><span spellcheck="false">The Carolina Panthers welcome rookie QB CJ Stroud and the Houston Texa s to Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea point out how this is a chance for rookie QB and former No. 1 oerall 2023 NFL Draft pick Bryce Young to silence critics after how Stroud has starter strong for the Texans. Also, the qustions looms about the trade deadline for Brian Burns. </span></p>

<p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich turned over play calling duties to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, and this needs to work for rookie QB Bryce Young. Also, safety Jeremy Chinn will be out up to six weeks with a quad injury, and with the NFL trade deadline approaching, this will severely hurt Chinn's draft stock, and could accelerate the process to potentially trading Brian Burns, Terrace Marshall Jr., and/or Donte Jackson.</p>

<p>Despite jumping out to a 14-0 lead, the Carolina Panthers struggled offensively as the Miami Dolphins scored 35 straight points en route to a 42-21 win over the Panthers and rookie QB Bryce Young. Bryce Young showed improvement, but the offensively line struggled, and the defense was gashed once again for several big gains as Carolina dropped to a league-worst record of 0-6 in the NFL. The question going into the bye week is if the Carolina Panthers are looking to trade away players, including rumors of Derrick Brown, Brian Burns, Jeremy Chinn, and Donte Jackson. Should the Carolina Panthers make a trade? Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss if owner David Tapper, General Manager Scott Fitterer, and head coach Frank Reich should look to make moves now to improve the team for the 2024 NFL season, and even the 2025 season.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers lack synergy and cohesion between owner David Tepper, General Manager Scott Fitterer, and head coach Frank Reich, and it's impacting rookie QB Bryce Young negatively, and decisions about personnel on the field aren't matching what's coming out of the front office regarding players like Brian Burns, Jeremy Chinn, Terrace Marshall Jr., and others. Should the Carolina Panthers look to trade Brian Burns? And why is Jeremy Chinn not playing more snaps. Also the odd case of Terrace Marshall Jr. playing 0 snaps despite being dressed and healthy against the Detroit Lions. Also, a look ahead to the Week 6 NFL matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers turned the ball over three times, including two Bryce Young interceptions, in a 42-24 loss at the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Dennis Cox & Frank Reich discuss the loss, including the defense struggling, Young's turnovers, and more questions rise about Frank Reich's ability to be able to develop Bryce Young. Also, Chris Lea points out that Miles Sanders has been a major disappointment, but that Young was able to push the ball down the field a bit more. The Lions scored 21 points off of three turnovers.</p>

<p>Did Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich want to draft Bryce Young No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft? Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss how owner David Tepper and GM Scott Fitterer were sold on Bryce Young before the hiring of Frank Reich. Chris recalls his conversation with Boomer Esiason before the NFL Draft, where Esiason says that Reich likes coaching bigger quarterbacks. Plus, Chris and Dennis look forward the matchup against the Detroit Lions, and how Detroit is the showing the trajectory that the Carolina Panthers want to be on right now under head coach Dan Campbell. Also, what reason does OLB/Edge Brian Burns have to stay in Carolina?</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers lose to the Minnesota Vikings, 21-13, as Bryce Young and the offense failed to score a touchdown while struggling with red zone execution. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea break down the loss, the lack of progression from head coach Frank Reich and Bryce Young with the offense, terrible clock management from Frank Reich, and the lack of a running game for Carolina. Chris & Dennis give credit to the Panthers secondary for limiting Kirk Cousins and the Vikings to only 12 completions, including a pick-6 by Sam Franklin Jr., but how the run defense for Carolina gave up 135 yards on the ground to a team that was 31st in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Plus, locker room interviews with RB Miles Sanders, and WR Adam Thielen.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers are dealing with several injuries as they face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 of the 2023 NFL Season, with both teams looking for their first win. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea break down the injuries to rookie QB Bryce Young, safety Xavier Woods, LB Frankie Luvu, CB CJ Henderson, and others as the Panthers will try to contain Vikings QB Kirk Cousins and WR Justin Jefferson, as well as TE TJ Hockenson. Plus, Chris sits down for an exclusive interview with former NFL All-Pro & Pro Bowl KR/PR/RB Tarik Cohen. Cohen discusses his return from injuries, losing two brothers in a short period of time, and if he ever considered leaving football permanently.</p>

<p>Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich called out his offense, himself, and coaching staff for penalties as the Panthers lose to the Seattle Seahawks, 37-27, with Andy Dalton at QB for an injured Bryce Young. </p> <p>Also, injuries are mounting as LB Frankie Luvu (hip), CB CJ Henderson (ankle), S Xavier Woods (hamstring), and WR Jonathan Mingo (concussion) all left the game with injuries and did not return for the Panthers.</p> <p>The Carolina Panthers had eight false start penalties, including four by OT Ikem Ekwonu.</p>

<p>Are the Carolina Panthers putting rookie QB Bryce Young in the best position to be successful? On the latest episode of Panthers Playbook, Dennis Cox & Chris Lea share their thoughts on Bryce Young and his ankle injury, Head Coach Frank Reich's play calling and offensive scheme, and why Jeremy Chinn needs to have more snaps in order for the Panthers to beat the Seattle Seahawks and get their first win of the 2023 NFL Season in Week 3. </p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers' offense and QB Bryce Young struggle mightily in a 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Monday Night Football. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea break down the loss, including the lack of creativity on offense from head coach Frank Reich, the questions surrounding the offensive personnel, and how there's already a bit of dissension from Carolina Panthers fans. Also, WR DJ Chark shares his thoughts on the offensive struggles, and what he's seen from rookie QB Bryce Young. Plus, Dennis & Chris discuss the loss of Shaq Thompson, the play of Frankie Luvu, and question why safety Jeremy Chinn was not on the field more often, including for key situations, and if Brian Burns was used properly.</p>

<p>As the Carolina Panthers face the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, Dennis Cox & Chris Lea point out that the play calling and scheme on offense needs to evolve to help Bryce Young against a tough Saints defense. Let us know in the comments your predictions for the Carolina Panthers vs the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Monday Night Football. Also, how will the offensive line be impacted by the loss of Brady Christensen to IR with an injury? Plus, CB CJ Henderson must step up filling in for an injured Jaycee Horn after Horn left the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.</p>

<p>Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers offense struggle in a 24-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons that saw Young throw two interceptions, as Carolina turned the ball over three times that led to 17 Falcons points. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea break down the loss, including questionable coaching decisions by head coach Frank Reich, and a strong performance overall by the defense.</p> <p>In the episode, you'll hear from Brian Burns about his performance, the potential of not playing in the game, and his thoughts on the loss. Also, WR Adam Theilen weighs in on the loss.</p> <p>Plus, strong performances by LB Frankie Luvu and DT Derrick Brown, and CB Jaycee Horn suffers another injury.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers and Edge Brian Burns are in contract talks about an extension. Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss the latest, including how San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa's contract will impact negotiations, if he'll miss NFL Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. </p> <p> </p> <p>Three keys to facing the ATL Falcons in Week 1:</p> <ol> <li>Making life uncomfortable for Falcons QB Desmond Ridder</li> <li>Protecting rookie QB Bryce Young</li> <li>Frank Reich's management of his staff & sideline with so many new faces</li> </ol>

<p>With the Carolina Panthers adding players via waivers and trade, QB Matt Corral was placed on waivers and is not on the Panthers 53 man roster, though could be added to the practice squad if not signed or claimed by another team. Chris Lea & Dennis Cox share their thoughts on the roster, the addition of Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and if the roster will see more changes before the Carolina Panthers face the Atlanta Falcons in week 1 of the 2023 NFL season.</p>

<p>Bryce Young threw his first NFL Touchdown as the Carolina Panthers lose their final preseason game to the Detroit Lions, 26-17. Dennis Cox and Chris Lea break down Bryce Young's preseason, improvements by the offense, questions about Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle, injury concerns at wide receiver, and potential roster cuts as head coach Frank Reich and GM Scott Fitterer must narrow the roster down to 53 players. Plus, locker room conversations with Adam Thielen.</p>

<p>On this episode of the Panthers Playbook Podcast, Chris Lea & Dennis Cox discuss why Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers offense needs more live reps in the final preseason game against the Detroit Lions to continue to progress and work out offensive line issues. Dennis & Chris also break down a few roster battles, including how the signing of CB Troy Hill will impact the roster moving forward, and what moves could be made before the regular season starts.</p> <p>Also, former NC State football guard, and Carolina Panthers rookie, Chandler Zavala joined Dennis & Chris for an exclusive interview, including how he sent a message to Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer, playing alongside former Wolfpack football teammate Ikem Ekwonu once again, and his biggest adjustment in the NFL.</p>

<p>The Carolina Panthers lose to the New York Giants, 21-19, in their second 2023 NFL preseason game. Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers offense showed improvement, but questions still linger about the Ikem Ekwonu and the offensive line. Chris Lea points out the need for a short-yardage running back, where Dennis points out situations - such as red zone offense - where the offense can improve. Plus, the Carolina Panthers defense gives up a long touchdown drive to Daniel Jones and the NYG offense that was without Saquon Barkley.</p>

<p>On the latest episode of Panthers Playbook, Dennis Cox & Chris Lea discuss three areas where the Carolina Panthers need to improve going into preseason game No. 2 vs the New York Giants:</p> <ol> <li>Let QB Bryce Young unleash a bit</li> <li>Offensive line play</li> <li>Better tackling ... Also, linebacker Deion Jones sits down for an exclusive interview discussing joining the Carolina Panthers, defensive improvements, getting ready for the NYG, and more.</li> </ol>

<p>Game No. 1 of the NFL Preseason for the Carolina Panthers against the New York Jets saw QB Bryce Young get his multiple times as the Panthers lost to NYJ, 27-0. On Panthers Playbook, Dennis Cox and Chris Lea do point out some glaring problems that needs to be fixed quickly with the offensive line, how Amare Barno stood out on defense, and how great it was to see the first two defensive units look strong.</p>

<p>Panthers Playbook Podcast - Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young looked good against the New York Jets in joint practice leading up to the first preseason game in Charlotte, NC at Bank of America Stadium. Also, the offensive depth chart is starting to shape up, though Laviska Shenault could the wild card for Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich. Plus, the addition of Justin Houston on defense can help solidify the front opposite of Brian Burns, and why Jeremy Chinn's versatility could be the key for a breakout season.</p>

<p>On Ep. 1 of Panthers Playbook, Dennis Cox and Chris Lea explore the Carolina Panthers and their development of rookie QB Bryce Young, and how it's important for head coach Frank Reich and the franchise to establish an identity moving forward. Plus, exclusive interviews with 2nd-year offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu, as well as defensive lineman Shy Tuttle.</p>

<p>NEW PODCAST! Panthers Playbook from 99.9 The Fan in Raleigh, NC. <span class="ui-provider bvf bvg c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t bvh bvi w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak" dir="ltr">Carolina Panthers coverage, opinions, analysis, exclusive interviews and insight. Mid-week episodes preview the coming game and post-game episodes recap every Carolina Panthers win or loss with a focus on what worked, what didn't and what's next. Hosted by 99.9 The Fan's Tim Donnelly and Dennis Cox and WRAL's Chris Lea. Panthers Playbook is part of the Capitol Broadcasting Podcast Network.</span></p> <p> </p>