Jump to content
  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Thomas Brown calling plays


Jmac
 Share

Recommended Posts

I agree that Thomas seems to have a better grasp/flow of the offense right now as a play caller and honestly, I’d like to see him get to call a half with the first team Offense to see what it looks like. And I mean I think Frank does have to eventually do what’s in the best interest of the team, if that means letting TB call the plays to get the offense going. 
 

However, and like y’all can correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Frank Reich have top half of the league offenses 3 of the 4 years he was in Indy? I’m willing to see what his playcalling looks like when it’s not “vanilla” just to be certain. 
 

If it’s one thing I do think we should brace for it’s that one of the most common criticisms of FR was that his teams start slow. One article I read said Frank was one of the best “advanced scouters” in the league which is apparently why they believed his teams start slow and get better as the season goes on, because they have more tape to pull from later. So that might be more of a “concern” to the fan base imo. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think we can wait to see what happens when Sanders plays as well as we open up the playbook before saying much about the play calling. We will run a lot and use lots of motion to help the line and Bryce. I am glad Thomas is getting the chance to call plays. He can develop that skill having never done it before. I hear that Reich is reportedly letting the coaches do their job. Should be a real test of that with playcalling. Something Reich really likes to do and thinks he is pretty good at. 

I found a good PFF article from 2021 analyzing a loss to Tampa. I thought the explanations by Reich and the commentary were interesting although not sure how much light it sheds on this discussion.

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-indianapolis-colts-frank-reich-playcalling-jonathan-taylor-carson-wentz-tampa-bay-buccaneers-week-12

  • Pie 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hope he doesn't wait until we are in dire straights before he hands Brown the job.

Not many older HC's are still calling the plays (Reid is the exception,Payton is another). The game evolves very fast and new blood with new ideas will win the day.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Let's have this convo week 4. We are probably using 30% of the playbook rn. Also in the preseason you don't necessarily call the best play for the situation because you are trying to gather data on something specific and don't care about the outcome of the play, just getting tape on a specific play in a specific situation

  • Pie 1
  • Beer 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, jb2288 said:

Let's have this convo week 4. We are probably using 30% of the playbook rn. Also in the preseason you don't necessarily call the best play for the situation because you are trying to gather data on something specific and don't care about the outcome of the play, just getting tape on a specific play in a specific situation

Good post but it seems that rational thinking is not popular at this time.

  • Beer 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, jb2288 said:

Let's have this convo week 4. We are probably using 30% of the playbook rn. Also in the preseason you don't necessarily call the best play for the situation because you are trying to gather data on something specific and don't care about the outcome of the play, just getting tape on a specific play in a specific situation

That is all good and well but they have had zero rhythm and that just does not bod well  I get what preseason is about

 I get we have players out of the lineup, but honest to god, they look like they have zero clue 

Imho they paid Brown handsomely.  I’m sure he didn’t Leave the rams to hold the clip board for Reich 

So let the coordinators do their job 

I like Reich  but he isn’t Andy Reid and the Panthers aren’t the Chiefs. 

Edited by raleigh-panther
  • Beer 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, raleigh-panther said:

That is all good and well but they have had zero rhythm and that just does not bod well

Imho they paid Brown handsomely.  I’m sure he didn’t Lea e the rams to hold the clip board for Reich 

So let the coordinators do their job 

I like Reich  but he isn’t Andy Reid and the Panthers aren’t the Chiefs. 

I think the point of the poster you quoted though is that they aren't trying to necessarily call plays for the sake of finding rhythm in preseason because it's much more about finding what works and what doesn't. 

Fwiw, I do agree the offense has looked smoother with TB calling the plays to this point. But again, it's preseason, it's much lower stakes now than it will be when the real games start. Also consider this as well, Thomas probably has a bit of a better grasp right now because he's been calling plays throughout training camp as well so that Frank can oversee the entire operation vs just zeroing in on the offense. 

I'd like to see Thomas become the full time play caller at some point just because I really like the guy (he should've gotten a HC interview here IMO) but for now, Im cool with Reich doing his thing because as I've mentioned before in here, he's called top half of the league (and even top 10) offenses before.  

 

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, ForJimmy said:

Luck retiring and the owner forcing him to bench Ryan for a  Ehlinger had something to do with it as well. 

 

9 hours ago, ForJimmy said:

It sounds to me like he is grooming Brown to take over, which means he will be heavily involved in it. 

 

Yupperz, that sounds reasonable. But let's face it, it's the Huddle. Living in the past and making sweeping proclamations for the future based off that past. 

 

The let's wait and see how this all works out crowd gets drowned out by the sky is falling group. IN PRESEASON. lol

 

I realize that fans are gonna fan. But man, sometimes it just never seems to stop.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

My biggest issue is that Bryce should be playing longer. I think if he gets a handful of 60 minute games under his belt, the rhythm can be found. The playcalling decisions have been questionable. You know what you're getting with running the ball, but you have to get the face of the franchise more time to build chemistry in game situations with his receivers. The defense is more worrying, but I expect this defense won't be that good b/c we are switching schemes. God forbid we run a 3-4 and don't blitz in the regular season.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share


  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Maybe they meant to invite Jaxson Dart and got the names mixed up
    • Decided to finally paste this in from my google drive...enjoy the mini-book. May make 1 addendum pre-draft.   2025 Mock Draft - Full 1st Round Note: 4 trades, just teams jumping for guys I think they’re targeting.   1. TEN - Cameron Ward QB Miami - Seems like Ward #1 is a near lock. 2. CLE - Travis Hunter DB/WR Colorado - The Browns are craving offense right now and I believe the rumors.  He brings it on both sides of the ball, elevates the entire team.  3. NYG - Adbul Carter DE/OLB Penn State - I don’t want to go Carter here, but it’s either this or Schoen/Daboll take a swing on Shedeur.  I just don’t think he’s going that high - their careers depend on this pick.  They landed Russ to band-aid, so him and a Carter addition could improve each side of the ball enough to survive another year.   4. NE - Will Campbell OT LSU - His game is great; it sounds like many teams have no issue with his size and think he can go at LT.  Great scenario for Maye if NE is one of those teams.   5. TRADE SF (from JAX) - Armand Membou OT Missouri - I think they’re taking calls and SF could have the ammo.  This is a spot that seems penciled in as Graham for JAX, but it’s just not feeling like the scenario for me.  Lynch/Shanahan are not shy to trade up.  They usually don’t go OL high, but everyone bucks their trends once in a while.  Huge need and they have a boatload of picks.  I could see a bit of crazy happening. 6. LVR - Ashton Jeanty RB Boise State - I’m buying into the common refrain here.  Jeanty in Carrol’s offense with Bowers as the top target is super interesting.  Could make Geno’s job a lot easier. 7. NYJ - Mason Graham DT Michigan - The value is just too good and the fit is great.  I have a sense that Graham could slip, but he meshes well with Glenn and that growing defense.  Doesn't get past NYJ. 8. CAR - Jalon Walker LB Georgia - Could easily see a trade if Graham and Walker are gone (SF, SEA & IND as potential suitors).  But with Walker here, he just makes a lot of sense for building that defense.  Lots of buzz around him going higher, but unsure where that would be.  This marriage feels inevitable.   9. NO - Shedeur Sanders QB Colorado - Sanders lands in New Orleans.  I just see the organization being the one that fits him and could take the risk.  Carr is not guaranteed that starter spot much longer if his play like last season continues.   10. TRADE IND (from CHI) - Tyler Warren TE Penn State - With Jeanty & OTs gone, Chicago takes calls.  Warren is available here, and I could see Indy jumping up slightly to grab him.  Chicago may want to gather more picks to best build Ben’s team for Caleb. 11. JAX (from SF) - Derrick Harmon DE/DT Oregon - Harmon would be a great fit to help with their DL.  One of my favorite players in the draft who I think is way more coveted than let on.  Wins with his hands, has great size, length, gets after the QB, good run defender.  Slippery, high motor, understands how to advance in the trenches.  Too promising to go much later. 12. DAL - Mykel Williams DE/EDGE UGA - May not have the production you want, but the flashes are there.  Has the size and a great motor.  Needs to improve his pass rush plan, but after watching interviews, I can see why he’s viewed favorably.  Heavily linked to Dallas, could go as high as 8/CAR. 13. MIA - Jahdae Barron DB Texas - Best defensive playmaker in the draft and they are in need of more talent across the board on defense.  High football IQ, all over the field type. Good long term option, high floor, great skills.  Pairing him with Ramsey would be nice.   14. CHI (from IND) - Omarion Hampton RB UNC - Here’s where it gets interesting.  They’ve met with him multiple times, and I could see Johnson licking his chops at the possibility of Hampton.  It’s much more stomach-able with this trade down, gaining some capital in the process.   15. ATL - Donovan Ezeiruaku OLB BC - There’s reported interest and I think teams are pretty high on Ez (for good reason).  Being an Ez fan, I don’t want to see him in ATL, but they need a sure-thing pass rusher, and he’s the most sure thing in that department this draft.   16. TRADE GB (from AZ) - Matthew Golden WR Texas - The Packers finally buck the trend and aggressively go after a round 1 receiver.  If Golden is around, and they like him enough, I can see this type of move being made to help Love.   17. CIN - Kenneth Grant DT/NT Michigan - Shoring up the DL would be a smart move.  They need a boost in a big way, and Grant is a monster who I have a hard time not seeing being effective, and quickly.  Awesome fit for what the Bengals need as well. 18. SEA - Kelvin Banks Jr OT Texas - They’ve been linked, met, have the need, and could be wise given all the new investments on offense.  Zabel or Banks are in play here, could also see them trade up with their picks.   19. TB - Will Johnson CB Notre Dame - His value here becomes too good to ignore but injury concerns do bring him down a tad. Bucs wind up with a corner they can’t refuse. 20. DEN - Tetiaroa McMillan WR Arizona - Slipping just a bit, he makes it to Denver who lands guy for Nix to grow with.   21. PIT - Tyleik Williams DT/NT Ohio State - A bit higher than expected – the Steelers are in need of offensive help in a major way but they need an overall reset.  For that - it’s trenches out.  Arguably the best run defender in the draft and is being way overlooked.  Has met with every team, is spoken of super highly in scouting circles.  Tyleik is one of those guys everyone is trying to be quiet about. 22. LAC - Colston Loveland TE Michigan - Harbaugh brings in familiar company to LA.  They have some DL needs but pairing Loveland in that offense could be a great situation to boost Herbert and team.  I don't think he's this mid-round 1 pick everyone seems to be stamping in but this is a nice scenario.     23. AZ (from GB) - Walter Nolen DT Ole Miss - Nolen doesn’t slip all the way past round 1, too much talent.  Cardinals get a much needed DL presence. 24. MIN - Jihaad Campbell LB Alabama - Tore his labrum post-combine, so will likely miss half the season (at least), but I don’t think that drops him too far.  Vikes have the roster built to let him mend and ease into things.   25. HOU - Donovan Jackson OT/G Ohio State - He fits their needs in a big way and is viewed more favorably by teams than the other IOLs.  Stroud gets a familiar pal for much needed protection. 26. LAR - Trey Amos CB Ole Miss - A riser who keeps rising and fits the zone/man combo that McVay likes.  Could fit very nicely in LA. 27. BAL - Grey Zabel IOL North Dakota State - BAL is a popular safety destination but I see IOL as a primary target if Zabel is here.  He’s been a major riser, getting real R1 love.  The fit here is pretty spot on. 28. DET - Mike Green EDGE/OLB Marshall - Green is a gamble, his history is a bit of an unknown, but suspect.  If he checks out interview-wise with teams, he could end up in a solid late round spot.  Huge boost for the Lions. (Watch for Scourton here too) 29. WAS - Nick Emmanwori S South Carolina - After seeing what they were able to get out of Chinn, this could be a great fit for a defense who needs some secondary help.   30. BUF - Emeka Egbuka WR Ohio State - A bit of a WR slippage allows the Bills to grab a complimentary piece along with Coleman.  Pairs well to boost that offense and get them a bit more efficient.   31. KC - Josh Simmons OT Ohio State - Could be a smart move for the second half of Mahomes career.  It was a problem come playoff time and he needs the help, worth the gamble here even with his injury.   32. TRADE CHI (from PHI) - Josh Conerly OT Oregon - I think there could be some OLs to fly off the board late 1st.  Chicago now having gained picks, moves up from 39.  Hampton + Conerly would be a haul with pick 41 not far away for their 3rd pick.     Notables Not Included: QB3 - Not buying Milroe, Dart, Shough, any of them, as round 1 quarterbacks. Shavon Revel Jr. CB ECU - Could easily see Revel in the first, Vikes or Bills are possibilities.  Awesome name. Aireontae Ersery OT Minnesota - Like him but he’s just on the outside looking in with round 1, only so many spots. Malaki Starks S UGA - He’s a very solid prospect but safeties simply are not coveted, he lacks deep speed, and had a spotty 2024.  Legit talent is there - could fall into someone’s arms like Branch did in DET. Tyler Booker OG Alabama - I simply don’t see 3 IOLs in R1.  Still see him going top-40. Maxwell Hairston CB Kentucky - Another really solid prospect I just didn't find the fit for. Nic Scourton DE/EDGE Texas A&M - Was a top 2025 prospect before last season, and he still has the traits that got him that hype.  A potential Lions target. Shemar Stewart DL/EDGE - Just not seeing it even with the testing. Maybe a team takes the gamble but unsure. Darius Alexander DL - Like him but just didn’t find the right spot.  Age (25) could impact where he goes.  Luther Burden III WR Missouri - I just didn’t see a fit and could see him fall out of the first due to a variety of reasons.  James Pearce Jr. OLB Tennessee - I feel there’s traction to his character concerns more than the others.  I don’t see him in R1.   --   Panthers Draft: Still predictive with a hint of my guys/targets:   1. Jalon Walker LB UGA 6’2 243 Land a guy who can become a vocal leader for the team and create a bit of energy on defense.  Pairs well with Trevin longer term and starts alongside Jewell more immediately.  Instant impact. 2.1 - Bradyn Swinson EDGE/OLB LSU  6’4 255 33”+ arms, ~10” hands  A high upside, big framed 3-4 edge rusher from a major program.  Swinson had strong production, exhibits great bend and quickness. Can easily fill in with his frame to become a capable edge setter.  Would be a sound decision in R2. 2.2 (Trade Up) 3rd+5th - Jaylin Noel WR Iowa State 5’11 201 I don’t think he’ll be there come round 3, but this is the specific guy I think we should target.  It’s not just that he’s the “shifty” type, but his catch radius is huge for his size.  Great hand/eye coordination and extremely good at contested catches.  From video interviews I’ve seen, I also imagine this kid is killing it with meetings and seems very into the game.  Teams definitely like him.  We’ve got (3) 5th rounders, so whatevs, use one to move up a bit.         4.1 Jacob Parrish NB/CB Kansas State 5’10 191 Really fluid, plays bigger than he is and would be a long term solution as the primary NB.  Immediately comes in over Smith-Wade who is still solid depth.  4.2 Jonas Sanker S Virginia Seems to be a safety they’ve taken a liking to.  Could be a nice fit alongside Moehrig.    5.1 (traded) - if not - Tai Felton WR Maryland is one of my favorite mid/late round WRs 5.2 Jonah Monheim C/G/T USC - Versatile late round swing lineman to take a flyer on. 5.3 Warren Brinson DT/NT UGA Bring in one of Walker’s teammates as well who could work out long term with some grooming behind Bobby Brown.  Big boy at 6’5 315.  Depth and competition in the trenches is needed to bolster this defense. 7. Caden Davis K Ole Miss Wrap it up by landing a kicker.  What a dude.  
×
×
  • Create New...