Bryce Young Finally Sees Preseason Action, Impresses in Panthers’ Win
Bryce Young, the first pick of last year’s NFL Draft, finally got his chance to shine in the preseason finale, and he made the most of it. After sitting out the first two games, Young played in the Carolina Panthers’ 31-26 win over the Buffalo Bills, completing 6-of-8 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Young’s performance was a much-needed confidence booster for the Panthers, who were looking for a spark after a lackluster preseason. The young quarterback looked comfortable, hitting rookie tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders on a strong throw over the middle and avoiding a sack before taking a hit. He also showed off his scrambling ability, buying time before making a difficult throw to Diontae Johnson for a first down.
The Panthers’ coaches must have been pleased with Young’s performance, which included an 8-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Matthews on the drive. While it’s just one preseason drive, Young’s showing was a promising sign for the Panthers, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing season.
Russell Wilson also impressed in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 24-17 loss to the Detroit Lions, completing both of his passes on his only series, including a 31-yard completion to George Pickens. Cordarrelle Patterson added a 31-yard touchdown run on Wilson’s drive, giving the Steelers a much-needed boost on offense.
Cam Akers, who had been forgotten after a disappointing season with the Los Angeles Rams, made a strong case for himself in the Houston Texans’ 17-15 win over the Rams. Akers rushed for 53 yards on seven carries, showing off his speed and agility.
Other Games
Green Bay Packers 30, Baltimore Ravens 7: Neither team played starters, and veteran Ravens backup quarterback Josh Johnson finished a strong preseason by completing 5-of-7 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown.
Minnesota Vikings 26, Philadelphia Eagles 3: Both teams sat starters, but Kenny Pickett solidified his backup quarterback spot for the Eagles, going 6 of 9 for 58 yards in the finale.
Los Angeles Chargers 26, Dallas Cowboys 19: Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance had a mixed performance, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns, but also committing five turnovers, including two interceptions and three fumbles.
New York Jets at New York Giants: Neither team played starters, meaning Aaron Rodgers didn’t play at all in the preseason. The Jets coach Robert Saleh said he didn’t want Rodgers on the field in the preseason, but it still could be questioned if the Jets get off to a slow start.
Cleveland Browns at Seattle Seahawks: Deshaun Watson didn’t play in the preseason finale due to a sore shoulder, and the Browns announced he wouldn’t play a few hours before the game. Watson had mixed reviews from training camp observers, and he’ll be a mystery when the Browns kick off the regular season against the Cowboys in Week 1.
Final Thoughts
• The Rams don’t play backup quarterbacks in the preseason, and with Jimmy Garoppolo serving a two-game PED suspension in Weeks 1 and 2, Stetson Bennett sat out Saturday’s preseason finale.
• Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. made a strong case for himself, rushing for 101 yards on 18 carries, and earning a shoutout on X formerly Twitter from his proud and famous dad.
• Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen has been one of the stories of the preseason, an undrafted player from the University of Buffalo trying to make the team. He had eight tackles in Saturday’s finale and now waits to see if he made the 53-man roster.
