Glaring in the Carolina Panthers' 0-5 record is the lack of reps for do-it-all defensive back Jeremy Chinn. 

In the Panthers' most recent loss to the Detroit Lions, Chinn played in fewer snap counts than at any other point in his career while healthy. 

It has been a common theme for Chinn, who has only enjoyed sporadic appearances on the field under the Panthers' new regime. But defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero explained that Chinn's lack of playing time isn't due to struggles. Instead, it is a result of how the games have shaped up for the team in recent weeks. 

"We’re obviously trying to play him and Troy [Hill] at the nickel position, and then have Jeremy in some of the dime positions," Evero said to Sheena Quick of Fox Sports Radio. "Again, it’s almost coming back to the situation on first and second down. Getting more third downs is how we get him on the field. Our execution level, our ability to play the run game better, get into more pass situations is going to allow that to happen.”

Chinn isn't playing because the Panthers have struggled to execute in early down situations. 

It is emblematic of the season the Panthers are slogging through. The team has remained reactive to most, if not all, of its opponents. Instead of dictating its will on others, the Panthers are the ones being told what they can and can't do. 

If Carolina wants to take down the Miami Dolphins, it starts with putting its most versatile players on the field.

So ditch the excuse that it is the game flow. The Panthers' defense doesn't need excuses to play one of its better contributors. The coaches should let Chinn do what he does best. 

Panthers Bryce Young wearing a play-call wristband, it was a collective decision

As the Carolina Panthers prepare to take on a more than formidable foe in the Miami Dolphins, the word of the week has been “simplify.”