The Carolina Panthers may not have come away with a win this summer, let alone in their preseason finale on Friday night. But they did come away with a few positive signs.
Here are the top takeaways from the 26-17 loss to the Detroit Lions:
The Bryce is right
Bryce Young’s first two preseason outings weren’t very exciting, to almost no fault of his own. Largely muddled by an overwhelmed offensive line, the rookie’s pair of starts ended in a combined seven-of-12 completion clip with 56 yards and no touchdowns.
But Friday was a much different story. When given some time, as he was pressured on just three of his 13 dropbacks, Young connected on seven of his 12 latest throws for 73 yards and his first NFL touchdown—a 16-yard beauty to wideout Adam Thielen.
He even showed off his elusiveness. Young scrambled for 21 yards on three impressive runs, proving he can buy himself some time of his own.
Thielen it
Thielen was the main beneficiary of Young’s sparkling start. In addition to the 16-yard touchdown, the former two-time Pro Bowler recorded 32 yards on three earlier catches.
The bulk of that output came on a 21-yard reception to start that touchdown drive, one that especially exhibited the early chemistry between the rookie and the 33-year-old veteran. So although they’ve been teammates for only a few months, their connection on Friday night looked quite seasoned.
Plus—if the offense is without some of their currently injured receivers in DJ Chark, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. to start the campaign—that connection will become even more valuable for Carolina.
A paltry pass rush
All of the defense’s top pass rushers were inactive—with Brian Burns, Justin Houston, Marquis Haynes Sr. and preseason standout Amaré Barno sitting this one out. So, that gave the guys who are charted behind them a chance to shine.
What would materialize, however, was a pretty dull showing. The Panthers amassed just two quarterback hits, with one resulting in their lone sack of the evening.
The lack of depth off the edge has always been worrisome for Carolina this summer, even after the addition of Houston. Friday night’s performance certainly couldn’t have done much to help soothe that concern.
