Bryce Young was a top pick and the Carolina Panthers believed in him enough to give up a lot in a deal with the Chicago Bears for the first overall draft pick.
This does not mean that he will be a star right away.
Young, in his second preseason game and starting offense for the Panthers, had another uneventful Friday against the New York Giants. Young was 3 of 6 for 35 yards. He lasted a few plays until the second quarter before being seated. The Panthers had 51 yards in the first quarter.
There were misunderstandings and penalties by the Panthers offense. There were some protection issues, just like the season opener. There is a lot of work to be done, and that includes Young.
Young didn’t do much in the season opener, in part because he didn’t play much but the Panthers offensive line also didn’t give him much protection when he dropped back to pass the ball. The protection was a bit better against the Giants, but a big sack on the Panthers’ second drive cost Carolina a shot on a touchdown inside the red zone.
On the other hand, starting quarterback Daniel Jones looked sharp. He spread the ball around on his first drive. He was 8 of 9 for 69 yards and a touchdown. The only shortcoming was not his fault; Darren Waller was unable to complete the catch after taking a heavy hit over the middle. Jones finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown catch on Daniel Bellinger.
This is what a highly drafted quarterback who is in his fourth season and has dealt with some ups and downs in the NFL should look like. Jones took a seat after that first drive, as Tyrod Taylor replaced him at quarterback.
Young is still learning. On the first drive, the Panthers faced third and short. Moving into the pocket, Young, under little pressure, rushed quickly over the center that was too far from his receiver and incomplete. Carolina went three times.
On Carolina’s second drive, Young completed his first pass with a quick decision on a pass option. Young had a great run with second-round rookie Jonathan Mingo, who bounced off an attempted tackle for extra yards. The play gained 15 yards.
Young had a nice, patient pass on a third-and-six on an outfield to Adam Thelin. The ball was positioned perfectly and Thielen got the first goal. That drive stalled after there appeared to be a miscommunication on the offensive line and Giants end Kayvon Thibodeaux had a free run to a sack.
Young people will be fine. He has a bright future. Everyone saw his talent as he led Alabama and won the Heisman Trophy. There weren’t many preseason highlights to get Panthers fans excited.