Panthers HC Frank Reich sounds off on the 8 false starts against the Seahawks
In the Carolina Panthers' disappointing 37-27 to the Seattle Seahawks, a lack of discipline from members of the offense was on full display. Maybe it was the bombastic — and at times deafening — crowd, but Panthers head coach Frank Reich didn't give Seahawks fans any credit. The Panthers couldn't get out of their way, […]
In the Carolina Panthers' disappointing 37-27 to the Seattle Seahawks, a lack of discipline from members of the offense was on full display.
Maybe it was the bombastic — and at times deafening — crowd, but Panthers head coach Frank Reich didn't give Seahawks fans any credit. The Panthers couldn't get out of their way, collecting eight false start penalties, several of which came in critical down and distance situations and led to the eventual 0-3 start to the 2023 season.
“Coming in, we knew the environment would be tough—good football and a tough place to play,” Reich said in the postgame press conference. “The number of penalties was totally inexcusable, pathetic.”
The eight false start penalties were the most by any team since the Chicago Bears in 2011, when they collected nine against the Detroit Lions.
Four of the eight false starts were charged to left tackle Ikem Ekwonu. Right tackle Taylor Moton picked up two, while left guard Chandler Zavala picked up the other.
“We knew it was coming," Reich said. "We practiced all week with noise… But that starts with our offense coaches getting our players ready. And that starts with our players. Unacceptable. It’s like we never played in the noise before."
Though the Panthers couldn't overcome the countless flags thrown, the offense fared better than in recent weeks with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton under center.
Dalton threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns. Veteran receiver Adam Thielen got in on the action, catching 11 passes for 145 yards and a score of his own.
Panther wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. finally got an opportunity to showcase the verticle threat he can be in the passing game, catching four passes for 86 yards and a touchdown.
One of his highlight plays included a 47-yard score from a Dalton pass, where Chark made a man miss and scampered into the endzone.
For a loss, it was the first game the Panthers can realistically walk away with a few more positives than negatives.
Even if the false starts put the defense into difficult positions repeatedly.
"We got to continue to work," Reich said. "I did think Andy handled the passing game pretty well. He made a lot of good throws. There were times when things broke down, but it wasn't horrible."
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Feature image via Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports.
