In a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young showed promising signs of improvement after a tough rookie season. Young completed 6 of 8 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, a significant step forward from his previous struggles.
His performance, particularly during an 85-yard drive, drew praise from his coach, Dave Canales, who commended Young for his sharpness and ability to execute under pressure.
The highlight of Young’s drive was a fourth-and-3 play where he demonstrated his development under Canales’ guidance. Facing pressure, Young avoided a tackler and completed a 17-yard pass to Diontae Johnson, showcasing his poise and ability to extend plays. This play, along with a subsequent 21-yard completion to Adam Thielen, set up his touchdown pass to Jordan Matthews, marking a successful end to the drive.
Young’s performance, reflected in a passer rating of 140.6, was a stark contrast to his previous season, where he had the worst rating in the NFL. This preseason drive highlighted the progress he has made under Canales’ coaching, with the offense looking more cohesive and effective. Canales, who has a history of developing quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Geno Smith, seems to be a good fit for Young’s growth.
The success of the drive was not just about Young’s passing but also the balanced offensive approach. Canales mixed in running plays to take the pressure off Young, allowing him to make critical plays when needed. Even when Young was sacked, his ability to minimize the loss and maintain composure was evident, underscoring his improved decision-making and adaptability.
Young’s performance in this preseason game against the Bills offers hope for a much-improved season ahead. The game served as a positive indicator that the Carolina Panthers’ offense, one of the worst in the league last year, is heading in the right direction under Canales’ leadership. Young’s ability to translate practice into game-day success is a promising sign for the team’s future.
