Reich wants Panthers, Young to simplify approach amid 0-5 start: 'Do less'
Panthers head coach Frank Reich believes Carolina needs to simplify its approach to bounce back after starting the season with five straight losses.
"Every coach would tell you when you're 0-5, what's the answer? Do more? No. The answer is: Do less," Reich said before Wednesday's practice, according to USA Today's Anthony Rizzuti. "Every coach (in) the history of the NFL. 'Hey, we're 0-5, we're 0-3, we're 0-4': Do less. Do less. Does that mean you gave him too much? Maybe, maybe not. I don't know the answer to that."
Reich's comments come after sources told CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones on Sunday that rookie quarterback Bryce Young was getting an overload of information.
The Panthers traded up in the 2023 draft to select Young with the No. 1 pick. However, the Alabama product has failed to meet expectations early in his career. Young, who's missed one game with an ankle injury, has completed 63.9% of his passes for 750 yards and five touchdowns against four interceptions. His 77 passer rating ranks 29th among quarterbacks, and he's also suffered three fumbles, losing two.
The Panthers - who rank in the bottom half of the league in points scored and allowed - are the only winless team left in the NFL this season.
"I just know we gotta get better because insanity is doing the same thing over, right?" said Reich, a former quarterback who joined the Panthers this past offseason after spending five years as the Indianapolis Colts' head coach.
"So, that's what we do as coaches. Not for the quarterback, for the whole team. We did it on offense, we did it on defense, we did it on special teams. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Do the basics. Let the players play fast. … Sometimes, it just works out to get you back on track and in rhythm."
Carolina visits the 4-1 Miami Dolphins in Week 6 before going on a bye.