Does Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young wish he had gotten more snaps in his first two preseason games? Well, whether he does or not, he knows he’s in the middle of a calculated process.
Young, who’s set to start in Friday’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, spoke with reporters ahead of this afternoon’s practice. He was asked if he would’ve preferred more playing time in his first pair of exhibition outings.
“This is by design,” he replied. “This is something that, again, I trust the coaches wholeheartedly in their approach, what they’re doing in play calling and everything. It is new for me. I’ve never played in a preseason game. There’s scrimmages in high school, I guess. But I’ve never played a game that the starters aren’t playing the best they can. And, again, obviously that’s a part of the league. It’s just something that’s new for me to adjust to.”
The first overall pick played in 32 snaps between the team’s losses to the New York Jets and New York Giants. Over those looks, he completed seven of his 12 passing attempts for 56 yards.
So, what is he looking to improve on in his final dress rehearsal of the summer?
“Operation,” he said. “I think really just continuin’ to grow and the ownership of the playbook and command of the huddle and things of that nature. And then just being more efficient with execution, with where my eyes wanna be—pre and post-snap. Makin’ sure it’s a smooth operation from a ball-handling standpoint, cadence, footwork, all those sorts of things. Just like you said—fine tuning that and trying to keep pushing that and not being complacent.”
While he did confirm that Young and the starting offense will play, head coach Frank Reich did not specify exactly how long they’ll be on the field. But based on his leanings, expect about two to three drives for the rookie and his unit.
