If we had to pick an early Most Valuable Player for the Carolina Panthers, the easy choice is starting quarterback Bryce Young—who's finally balling out the way you'd expect a No. 1 overall pick to ball out. He entered the team's bye not only leading the league in passing yards, but also one of the league's most productive offenses.
Young's late-blooming development is, of course, mostly a credit to his own work behind the scenes. But it would be extremely off-target not to mention the biggest positive change for the Panthers' offense this year.
They made a huge shift on the sidelines, with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik taking over play-calling duties from head coach Dave Canales. So far, it's the best move they have made here in 2026.
Through
four games, Ted Nguyen at The Athletic has ranked Idzik as the second-best new offensive play-caller in the league. Nguyen writes:
Head coach Dave Canales handed off play-calling duties to Idzik this season, and so far, so good. The Panthers look like a much more buttoned-up operation. Play calls are coming in faster, Bryce Young looks like he’s more settled pre-snap and that has led to Young looking as comfortable as he’s ever been.
Heading into Week 5, Carolina ranked fourth in total offense and fourth in scoring. They're also excelling in some advanced stats that Nguyen mentioned—including ninth in points per drive, ninth in EPA/play and sixth in explosive play rate.
Nguyen's breakdown focuses on the RPOs that have been so successful for the Panthers, which have helped Young navigate some atrocious pass protection by his offensive line. Young's decision-making is far faster and far better than it's ever been before.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers OC Brad Idzik near top of new offensive play-caller rankings
