Canales pokes fun at himself as Idzik's play-calling sparks Panthers offense

Carolina's head coach joked about last season's cautious approach now that OC Brad Idzik has the offense pushing the ball downfield.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales turned play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik this season, and the early returns have been strong. Through two weeks, the Panthers rank second in the league in points and fifth in yards.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Canales laughed about his own more conservative approach a year ago. "What was wrong with that play caller last year?" he said. "The guy wouldn't get the ball down the field."

The numbers back up the difference. Idzik has been more willing to attack defenses vertically, and the Panthers lead the NFL in both neutral pass rate and up-tempo play rate.

Quarterback Bryce Young has benefited from the new approach. He ranks third among starters with 8.9 passing yards per attempt and fourth with 10.2 intended air yards per attempt.

The season is young, and Idzik will face adjustments as defenses respond to his scheme. But the early results in Carolina have been encouraging.