Being the No. 1 overall pick has its advantages. First and foremost, you usually get to play almost immediately and can show why you were selected as the best player in the NFL Draft.
For Bryce Young, that has definitely been the case. He has started all three preseason games for the Carolina Panthers. In the first two, he didn’t get much of a chance to shine.
But in the third and final preseason game for the Panthers on Friday night, Young demonstrated why Carolina gave up so much to trade up and get their franchise quarterback.
He began the game by making defenders miss with his elusive running ability.
His first drive led to a field goal, but he really turned it up on the second drive.
He started with a 21-yard completion to Adam Thielen, followed it up with a 13-yard scramble and then finished the drive with a 16-yard pinpoint strike to Thielen.
It was Young’s first preseason touchdown and one he’ll fondly remember.
His chemistry with Thielen was very noticeable, and it seems the rookie passer trusts the 33-year-old veteran over the younger receivers on the team.
Coming up for Carolina
Panthers fans can rest easy tonight knowing their quarterback of the future played well and got through his first preseason without a scratch.
Up next is a Week 1 road date with the Atlanta Falcons, their NFC South rivals who will be starting second-year player Desmond Ridder at quarterback.
