What were some critical observations from Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's preseason performance at the New York Giants?
All eyes were on Bryce Young once again as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft participated in his first NFL road contest at the New York Giants. It was only a small sample size, but the quarterback is gaining invaluable experience in a game-day setting ahead of an eagerly-anticipated competitive debut at the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.
Young has the weight of a franchise on his shoulders. It's obviously a lot to ask of someone who's just turned 22 years old, but the Carolina Panthers are absolutely convinced that this is the guy that can lead them into a brighter era of prosperity.
A lot has to happen between now and then for the Panthers to be successful. But nobody came away from Young's brief appearance thinking that the Panthers had made an error by sacrificing so much for the Heisman Trophy winner.
On this topic, we put on the film and delivered three critical observations from Young's performance at the Giants in Preseason Week 2.
Bryce Young's pocket manipulation
As previously stated, this was only a small sample of what Bryce Young could potentially bring to the Carolina Panthers. But the signal-caller's pocket manipulation was there for all to see during his limited time on the field at MetLife Stadium.
Young plays the game like a seasoned veteran. There isn't any time where the former Alabama star isn't in complete command pre-snap and he's clearly fully aware of his surroundings before deciding what to do with the football.
This is accomplished by smart movements, keeping his eyes downfield at all times, and renowned rapid-fire processing that helps when pressure inevitably comes. Everything seems to slow down for Young, which is something the Panthers will be relying upon heavily once the regular season commences.
Bryce Young's adaptability
It was a slightly better outing for the offensive line on Friday evening. The bar wasn't exactly high after such an inept showing against the New York Jets, but there were times when lapses in concentration meant Bryce Young had to put his improvisation skills to good use.
One of the biggest positives surrounding Young's quick processing is if things aren't developing as expected downfield, the calls to get creative can be made with conviction. The draft's top pick has enough physical attributes to get out on the move and keep plays alive, although this obviously increases the risk of big hits in the open field, which isn't ideal.
While there is an obvious need to keep Young out of the firing line given the durability concerns, the Carolina Panthers must also acknowledge the benefits of giving their prized possession the freedom to flourish. If that means taking a big risk or two along the way, so be it.
Standing in the pocket and getting the football out quickly into the hands of his playmakers is Young's preferred method of moving the chains. But the Panthers can relax safe in the knowledge that when the situation calls for a little bit more, their quarterback has the athletic gifts and correct decision-making to do what's required.
And it's been a long time since the organization could say that with any great confidence.
Bryce Young's potential
Bryce Young has proven beyond all doubt how much talent he possesses. This represents a decent achievement when one considers the player's limited involvement and the Carolina Panthers deploying an extremely basic offensive scheme to keep everyone guessing heading into the regular season.
It's extremely positive and should encourage everyone associated with the Panthers. Young is only going to get better when true game-day concepts are deployed starting in Week 1 at the Atlanta Falcons, which can hopefully provide the springboard needed behind better fortunes in 2023.
As for the preseason, that might be the last we see of Young. Frank Reich didn't divulge whether or not the rookie will suit up next weekend against the Detroit Lions, but the player is putting his trust in Carolina's coaching staff to make the right decision based on his comments via Augusta Stone from the team's website.
"I'm going to trust the coaches. Honestly, I don't know what the procedure is, and again, I know coaches are different. I wholeheartedly trust the coaches and whatever their decision is. We haven't talked about or discussed anything, but whatever coach Reich wants me to do and thinks is going to be the best for me and for the team, that's what I'm going to do."Brye Young via Panthers.com
Whether Young plays in the preseason finale or not is a moot point. The player's already displayed enough of the exciting traits that enamored the Panthers to suggest big things are in his and Carolina's immediate future.