Carolina Panthers Rookie QB Bryce Young to Start Preseason Opener Against New York Jets
By David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer
August 6, 2023, 01:38 PM ET
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Carolina Panthers have announced that rookie quarterback Bryce Young will start in Saturday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets, according to coach Frank Reich.
While Reich did not provide specific details on the number of snaps or series Young will play, he mentioned that there is flexibility in the plan. The team has a general idea of how many plays they want to go through the entire preseason, but adjustments can be made depending on the circumstances.
“I do have an idea,” Reich said. “There is flexibility in the plan. That’s just being smart about it. We have a general idea how many plays we want to get through the whole preseason, but that can be adjusted by 10 or 20 percent depending on how things go.”
The decision to play Young in the preseason opener comes as no surprise. General manager Scott Fitterer emphasized the importance of giving Young the necessary reps during training camp.
“We’re not going to put him out there before he’s ready,” Fitterer said. “But he needs those reps.”
On the other side, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not expected to play in the preseason opener. Coach Robert Saleh stated that Rodgers would only see action in the team’s final preseason game against the New York Giants if he feels that the starters need more work. Instead, Rodgers will primarily focus on joint practices against the Panthers on Wednesday and Thursday at Wofford College in Spartanburg.
For Young, this will be his first opportunity to face an NFL defense other than his own. He expressed his excitement for the joint practices and the chance to meet Rodgers, whom he has admired and studied throughout his life.
“I’m super excited for that,” Young said.
Reich also addressed the upcoming joint practices, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and minimizing the chances of fights breaking out.
“The fighting thing I just cannot stand,” Reich said. “It’s just useless. I mean, I get it. It’s a very emotional game. Hopefully, we’ll be pros about it. Listen, the guys don’t want to fight. Everybody is a very prideful competitor.”
Reich hopes that Wednesday’s joint practice will be heavier against the Jets, with the second day being lighter and focusing more on individual drills. This approach aims to reduce the likelihood of fights, as most altercations tend to occur on the second day of joint practices.
As the Panthers prepare for their preseason opener, all eyes will be on Bryce Young as he takes the field as the team’s rookie quarterback. The coaching staff and fans alike are eager to see how he performs against an opposing NFL defense and how he handles the pressure of leading the offense.
The preseason serves as a crucial time for young players like Young to showcase their skills and make a case for a spot on the regular-season roster. It is an opportunity for them to gain valuable experience and prove themselves to the coaching staff.
While the outcome of preseason games may not hold much significance in terms of wins and losses, they provide valuable insights into the team’s depth and potential breakout players. Fans will be watching closely to see if Young can live up to expectations and demonstrate his potential as a franchise quarterback.
As the Panthers kick off their preseason against the Jets, all eyes will be on Bryce Young. The young quarterback has a chance to make a strong impression and set the tone for his rookie season. Panthers fans are hopeful that Young can live up to the hype and become a key piece of the team’s future success.
The preseason opener will provide a glimpse into what Young brings to the table and how he can contribute to the Panthers’ offense. It will be an exciting moment for fans and a crucial opportunity for Young to prove himself on the NFL stage.
The countdown to kickoff has begun, and Panthers fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the preseason. With Bryce Young leading the way, there is a sense of optimism and excitement surrounding the team. The preseason opener against the Jets will be the first step in what could be a promising journey for Young and the Panthers.