Brady Christensen showing a knack for communication — now

But talking to reporters is one thing. Making sure Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis know what’s up is far more important in his new occupation. He said Corbett showed him the basics every day through the offseason, making it clear: “you don’t have to overcommunicate.”

“You’ve just got to be loud and you got to be clear,” Christensen said. “So that’s something I’m not going to do is just say a bunch of stuff out there. But I’m just trying to be simple and direct to get everyone on the same page.

“It’s pretty universal. There are some tweaks. One guy will ask for certain things, but it’s pretty universal.”

Christensen does have the gift of understatement, because for something he claims doesn’t come naturally, he does appear proficient at it.

Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said that Corbett’s experience in similar systems made him a natural fit in the middle but that Christensen has picked up well in his hasty transition.

“Corbs has a lot of experience in this mid-zone world, and Brady is well versed at every position,” Idzik said. “Brady soaked it all up with the understanding of how all the pieces fit because he’s literally played outside in every spot. So, really hats off to Brady, playing center and being able to communicate these things, get us all on the same page.”

Idzik said that even though Christensen is learning a new position and a new language, he’s done a good job so far. The Panthers have continued to run the ball well since Corbett’s injury, and they didn’t allow a sack last week, so the early returns are good.

“He’s done a really good job of owning the communication and leadership of it,” Idzik said. “I think that’s a huge notch in the belt for him. I think he’s got to go through a lot of mental reps of watching the tape. What would I call here and just spit it out? And then keep going back through it. Because, even if it’s not the exact right look that we gave in practice or it might not be the exact right point, we need everybody going together.

“So he’s got to be able to get that call out confidently loud enough for the guys to hear. So we can all just get the process started of getting on the same page. And then Andy will help to drive some things in the protection game. But in the run game, he’s been pretty spot on as far as getting our points right, and getting all the guys able to make their calls inside out as soon as possible.”