(Charlotte) Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich isn’t worried that quarterback Bryce Young didn’t get a lot of playing time during the preseason schedule.
He still expects the first pick in the last draft to be ready for the start of the season.
Young attempted just 12 passes in two preseason games, completing seven for 56 yards and no touchdowns. He led five offensive series, including three that ended after three plays without winning a first down. The Panthers scored just three points with the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner behind center.
“Yeah, I think he’s ready,” Reich insisted on Monday. He is very mature and intelligent. »
Reich said he relied on Young’s work in practice to help him prepare for the season opener on Sept. 10 against the Atlanta Falcons.
“He does a lot of rehearsals,” Reich said. That’s why we declared him leaving in the spring, to put the team in a clear situation. We train at a high level, which helps us prepare for the season. »
Young also said he feels ready for the season. He added, however, that he would like to fine-tune a few details in his game over the next two weeks, including his timing and footwork.
“It’s the same for everyone. The competitor in you would love to keep playing, Young said of his use during the preseason schedule. But we trust the coaches. »
The Panthers weren’t the only ones to limit their rookie quarterback’s playing time during the month of August.
The Indianapolis Colts didn’t even employ Anthony Richardson last weekend against the Chicago Bears, four days after declaring him the starting quarterback for the start of the season.
Reich noted that one of the factors that weighed in on Young’s use on Friday was that the New York Giants like to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. And the Panthers offensive line hasn’t been particularly effective during the preseason schedule. Reich therefore wanted to limit the chances of Young getting injured.
“I think it was good that he prepared for that, that he was part of the mental preparation for all that pressure. But we didn’t want to risk anything dangerous,” Reich said.
Reich reiterated that Young will play in the Panthers’ final preseason game on Friday against the Detroit Lions. However, he did not specify for how many series he would be employed.
“We’d like to see him pick up the pace and accomplish some things. We’ll see how things go,” Reich said.
It’s been hard to assess Young’s play so far because of the Panthers’ troubles protecting him. In his first preseason game, against the New York Jets, he was hit in the backfield three times in seven passing plays.
Young said he’s confident the offense will find its bearings.
For his part, Reich said he was pleased with the rookie quarterback’s progress and the determination he showed in the pocketbook against the Giants when he orchestrated a 15-play 62-yard streak that ended with a field goal. .
“I think his readings are good,” Reich said. There is one game where he seemed lost, but that’s it. Otherwise, he was comfortable in the pocket, and he made decisions quickly. They saw things well. Except on a game, his eyes were in the right place. »
