Between dealing with a work-in-progress in the trenches, a deliberately vanilla playbook and just plain old precaution, Bryce Young knows he’s on a leash in the preseason. But that doesn’t make these opportunities meaningless for the Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback.
Young spoke to reporters late Friday night after closing the book on the second exhibition outing of his NFL career. He was asked how he looks to build momentum in these sample-sized summer situations.
“It’s limited opportunities, but you gotta make those count,” said Young, who’s thrown 12 passes over two games. “And I think just listening to coaches stressing urgency of every situation, every down. Again, you get a limited amount of reps in the preseason, but you have to make ’em count. And because of that, there’s a lot of emphasis, a lot of strain to be the best we can.”
While not at their best, Young and the Panthers offense were a bit better compared to their last time out. Following their scoreless, 199-yard output against the New York Jets, they recorded 19 points and 235 yards in their two-point loss to the New York Giants.
Young’s reps also rose, as he saw 10 more snaps in his second start. He turned those chances in 35 passing yards on a three-of-six throwing clip.
Moments before Young hit the mic, head coach Frank Reich did not disclose his plans for who will play in the preseason finale against Detroit next week. So, the limit may have already been reached for the No. 1 overall pick.
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