Report: Tepper is 'Frustrated by This Offense and Its Lack of Improvement'

Ownership is not happy with what has happened in the first nine weeks of the season.

Author:
Schuyler Callihan
Nov 13, 2023 12:56 PM EST

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It's been a miserable start to the season for the Carolina Panthers and it feels like it's going to get worse before it gets better. This Sunday, the Panthers are set to welcome in the Dallas Cowboys who are winners of three of their last four with the only loss coming to Philadelphia.

The Panthers' offense has been anemic all season long which is a major surprise considering all the hype entering the year with the No. 1 overall pick at quarterback, a successful offensive-minded coach in Frank Reich leading the charge, and Jim Caldwell also poking his head into those meetings.

Carolina's offense hasn't just been bad, though. It's been embarrassing. And according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, changes could be made if progress is not shown in the back half of the schedule.

"I am told Panthers owner David Tepper is frustrated by this offense and its lack of improvement. Some in the building believe the roster hasn’t been built correctly, while others criticize the offense overall. This is an offense some league sources have described as “boring,” “predictable” and even “lifeless."
"I’m told the message in the building is, 'Ownership needs to see more progress on offense. There needs to be development and improvement.
"If the second half of the regular season looks like the first half, I expect Carolina to make changes. I have learned those in power want to start seeing an offense that looks like what Young executed to precision at the University of Alabama, which included bubbles and RPOs, and that leans into his strengths. Ownership is satisfied with the defense and special teams."

What could those changes be? It could be Tepper firing his head coach for the second time in as many years. It could mean GM Scott Fitterer is let go. And it could possibly mean cleaning house. It's hard to fathom that Reich would be a one-and-done in Carolina, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility. If little to no improvement is made, my guess is that Tepper would make a GM change and let the new GM evaluate the coaching staff and make the call on whether or not Reich stays.