After the Carolina Panthers’ preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, rookie quarterback Bryce Young expressed his readiness for the upcoming regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. However, Young admitted that there was one aspect of his game that needed improvement: sliding. While his performance throughout the preseason showcased his potential, Young’s inexperience with sliding became a target for friendly teasing from his teammates.
Discovering the Need for Slide Lessons
During the game, Young executed a 13-yard scramble on third down, setting up his first touchdown in the preseason. However, the way he sat down on the artificial turf after the play garnered playful criticism from his teammates. Young confessed that sliding was not one of his strong suits and revealed that he had never performed the maneuver during his college career at Alabama.
The Importance of Sliding
Teammate Matt Corral acknowledged the necessity of improvement in Young’s sliding skills. He playfully suggested bringing out the tarp, soap, and water to help Young practice and refine this particular aspect of his game. Sliding is a crucial skill for quarterbacks as it helps protect them from potential injuries and extends plays when necessary.
Strong Finish to the Preseason
Despite the need for sliding improvement, Young wrapped up the preseason with his best performance. He completed 7-of-12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown, while also scrambling three times for 21 yards. Young’s effort resulted in leading two scoring drives and providing the Panthers with a 10-0 lead, a notable improvement from their previous low-scoring performances.
Young attributed his readiness for the regular season to the support and guidance he received from his coaches and teammates throughout practices. Building confidence during training sessions and applying them in game situations prepared Young for the challenges to come. The experience gained in preseason games also contributed to his growth as a player.
Coach’s Approval
Carolina coach Frank Reich expressed his satisfaction with Young’s performance in the preseason. He commended Young for his sharpness and productivity, highlighting his playmaking abilities with both his arm and his feet. Reich believed that Young’s ability to scramble added yet another dimension to the Panthers’ offense, justifying his selection as the top pick in the draft.
A Perfect Strike
Young’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen showcased his accuracy, reminiscent of his time at Alabama. Although the touchdown came against second- and third-string defenders, the precision, timing, and touch that accompanied the throw made it difficult to defend. Thielen acknowledged Young’s talent and emphasized the challenge of facing a quarterback with such a combination of skills.
Young’s performance against the Lions marked an improvement in multiple statistical categories compared to his previous outings. His yards per attempt increased from 4.7 to 6.1, and his passer rating improved from 70.1 to 103.8. The offensive line’s enhanced protection played a significant role in these statistics, reducing the pressure Young faced during dropbacks. Only being pressured 23% of the time in the game against the Lions allowed Young to make better decisions, either running for positive yardage or finding open targets.
A Promising Sign
Reich recognized Young’s ability to escape defenders even when it seemed impossible, praising his elusiveness and instincts. While there were glimpses of this during practice sessions, Young must work on perfecting his sliding technique. Despite the friendly banter from his teammates regarding his sliding skills, the continuous practice and commitment from Young will undoubtedly pay off in the long run.
Bryce Young’s preseason performance demonstrated his potential as a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. While his sliding skills may need improvement, Young’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his feet shows promise for the regular season. With ongoing practice and dedication, Young will likely develop into a more well-rounded quarterback, further solidifying his place as the Panthers’ top pick in the draft.
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