Bryce Young, an esteemed prospect, secured the trust of the Carolina Panthers through an extensive trade with the Chicago Bears for the first overall draft pick. However, immediate stardom isn’t guaranteed for him.
In his second preseason game, Bryce Young and the Panthers’ starting offense once again had a subdued performance against the New York Giants. Young completed 3 of 6 passes for a total of 35 yards. His appearance on the field lasted only a few plays into the second quarter. During the opening quarter, the Panthers amassed a mere 51 yards.
The Panthers’ offensive unit encountered miscommunications and penalties, paralleling issues faced during the preseason opener. Protection problems, akin to the earlier game, persisted. There’s an extensive agenda ahead, and that includes Young’s development.
Young’s presence in the preseason opener was underwhelming, partly due to limited playtime. Additionally, the Panthers’ offensive line struggled to provide adequate protection for him when he attempted passes. The situation improved slightly against the Giants, although a pivotal sack during the Panthers’ second drive prevented them from reaching the red zone for a potential touchdown.
Contrastingly, Giants’ starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, exhibited precision. In the initial drive, Jones efficiently distributed the ball, completing 8 of 9 passes for 69 yards and securing a touchdown. The only incomplete pass stemmed from Darren Waller’s inability to retain possession after enduring a significant hit. Jones capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown toss to tight end Daniel Bellinger.
This performance mirrored the expectations for a quarterback who, in his fourth season, has encountered various experiences in the NFL. Following this remarkable display, Jones stepped aside, making way for Tyrod Taylor as quarterback.
Bryce Young is still in the learning phase. On the opening drive, facing a third-and-short scenario, Young maneuvered within the pocket under slight pressure, delivering a rushed throw over the middle that eluded his receiver, resulting in an incomplete pass. The drive concluded with a three-and-out for Carolina.
Subsequently, on the Panthers’ second drive, Young made a swift decision in a run-pass option, completing his first pass. The play showcased a quick connection with rookie second-round pick Jonathan Mingo, who broke through a tackle for additional yards, amassing a 15-yard gain.
In another instance, Young executed a poised throw on a third-and-6, targeting Adam Thielen with an out route. The precision of the pass secured the first down. However, the drive faltered when miscommunication on the offensive line allowed Giants’ end Kayvon Thibodeaux to breach for a sack.
Despite the challenges, Bryce Young remains poised for success. His future appears promising, evidenced by his exceptional performances leading Alabama and securing a Heisman Trophy. Yet, the preseason has yet to showcase many highlights that could fuel enthusiasm among Panthers fans.