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After raising doubts with a rough preseason debut, 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young started to win over Carolina Panthers fans Friday.
During preseason action against the Detroit Lions, the rookie quarterback arrowed a 16-yard throw to Adam Thielen for the first touchdown pass of his Panthers career.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Bryce Young hit the juke button 🎮
Young finished the night 7-for-12 for 73 yards and a touchdown, adding three rushes for 21 yards on the ground.
It was a far cry from the Alabama product’s August 12 performance against the New York Jets, when he completed four passes for 21 yards and was sacked once.
Fans watching from across the NFL noted the improvement.
Paul Charchian @PaulCharchian
Bryce Young looks a lot better tonight.
Poised and throwing with touch. Also, love to see the Panthers dialing up Adam Thielen in the red zone.
Nick Barrett @TheFootballNick
Took until the last week of preseason, but Bryce Young is showing why he was the #1 overall pick.
NFL Philosophy @NFLosophy
If tonight was the only game you’ve seen of Bryce Young you’d walk away thinking he’s a top 10 NFL QB right now and is clearly ready to start week 1. He been sharp, composed, intelligent, and accurate.
It’s also preseason so let’s not overreact.
Jared Feinberg @JRodNFLDraft
I do think that there will be a slight transition for Bryce Young once he gets to face legitimate starters for a full 60-minute game. However, his processing and playmaking ability in/out of structure and his ability to create off-script will help him early on. He’s got it, guys.
Viewers were especially impressed that Young’s touchdown throw was accurate enough to connect with Thielen’s face mask.
Knower of Ball @mighty_duck5
That Bryce Young TD hit Thielen in the facemask… I’ve been praying for accuracy like that pic.twitter.com/6n4QPfIUtl
Cale Charles @CaleCOTC
The game is officially slowing down for Bryce Young. TD pass hit Thielen in the damn face mask. 🤣🔥🔥
harry @wearealldegen
Bryce Young’s precision is sick. Just lookin so comfortable in the pocket tossing absolute dimes. Right up on the dudes face mask you just can’t ask for anything better
For Young to succeed in the regular season, however, the rest of the Panthers’ offense will need to back him up. After a few rough preseason performances for the offensive line, that has some fans worried.
Nengeh Tardzer @NTardzer
As long as this offensive line is able to give Bryce Young time to throw in the pocket, he’ll be just fine
Esteban J. Fernandez @sfrieson
Bryce Young is going to be like that! @Panthers just gotta protect that man.
Tyler Sakalys-Moore @tyler_asm
The Panthers offensive line is going to turn Bryce Young into a run-first quarterback
♐️Jizzle @Statefarm_jake8
I feel bad this going to be Bryce Young all season 😂 get that man a OL pic.twitter.com/Oa5ytH9qWP
Young, now officially the team’s first string quarterback, will get his first shot at regular-season action September 10 during Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
