Panthers newcomer QB Bryce Young is having a promising end to the preseason

Bryce Young hadn’t achieved much in the two preseason games, neither good nor bad. It wasn’t all his fault. The Carolina Panthers’ offensive line didn’t give him enough time to settle in.

The Panthers team played better in the preseason finals against the Detroit Lions and Young’s results were quite good.

Young, the first overall pick of the draft, played the first quarter, catching seven of 12 yards for 73 yards and a touchdown. He had a passer rating of 103.8 when he took his seat and Andy Dalton took over. Young also had a 21-yard rush on three attempts. Young hadn’t given the Panthers any cause for concern this preseason, but it must be nice for the team to see him play so well on his last preseason outing.

The biggest story with the Panthers in two preseason games wasn’t even Young, but how poorly the offensive line protected Young. This group looked a little better on Friday night. Young took a sack on the first drive but held the ball for a long time.

Thanks to the better defense, Young was able to make some nice throws on his first four passes. He then incompletely threw his last four on the first drive of the game, although one was a throw on a receiver screen that was well covered.

Young had perhaps his best pass of the preseason to start the Panthers’ second drive. He had plenty of time to set up in the pocket and his Adam Thielen pulled through the middle with a perfectly placed ball for a 21-yard lead. He then fought for a first down in third and ninth place.

Then, on another third down, he again had time to find his way in the pocket and found Thielen on an out route for a nice 16-yard touchdown.

Before Friday, Young was seven of 12 for 56 yards in two preseason games. Due to the lack of time on the pitch and protection issues, it was difficult to gauge him. Young’s foresight, patience and accuracy were evident on Friday night. He also made good decisions about when to run.

Next time we see Young, he’ll be making his NFL regular-season debut with the Atlanta Falcons. He’s got some momentum after a strong finish to preseason.