Bryce Young is making a strong early statement at Panthers training camp, and the people watching closest are noticing.
Through the first week in Carolina, Young has looked sharp enough to fuel real optimism about what comes next for him and for the Panthers’ future. Charlotte Observer reporter Scott Fowler said Young has been outstanding in camp, and he didn’t hold back in describing what he sees developing.
“But I’m here to tell you, based on whatever institutional knowledge I’ve acquired from covering these Carolina Panthers for 32 straight seasons, that what Young is doing in practice right now in training camp is about to lead to a really good - and possibly great - season for him," Fowler wrote. "And it will lead to a massive new contract, too.”
Fowler also said Wednesday was Young’s best practice ever, with the quarterback “made one dazzling throw after another, firing the ball into windows the size of portholes.”
The highlights came in bunches. Young connected with Xavier Legette on a deep ball in the end zone, found Tetairoa McMillan for another touchdown, and also delivered an accurate throw on the run while escaping pressure.
Jaycee Horn saw the same thing from the other side of the ball.
“I kind of notice Bryce is trusting his receivers more, putting the ball in the air, letting them come make plays," Horn said before admitting that the offense "whooped our ass today."
That matters even more when you consider the Panthers’ secondary. Horn and Mike Jackson have given Carolina one of the better cornerback tandems in the league, so Young’s success against that group carries extra weight.
Head coach Dave Canales said Young is showing clear growth.
“Bryce is continuing to just take the next steps,” Canales said. “What I see from Bryce right now is just ownership and mastery of the concepts."
Canales also pointed to Young’s timing, rhythm and anticipation as areas where he has improved.
Of course, Young can’t do it alone. Carolina needs more from its receivers to help him keep this momentum going, and McMillan, Jalen Coker and Legette have all reportedly looked good so far.
Legette’s role has become even more important after rookie Chris Brazzell suffered a season-ending injury, a setback that hits the receiving group hard, especially if Legette doesn’t deliver once the regular season arrives.
For now, though, the Panthers’ offense is trending in the right direction, and Young is looking every bit like a quarterback ready to take off.
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