NFL

Panthers Training Camp Notebook: Bryce Young Shows Heisman-Like Flashes Between Joint Practice Fights

By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than three decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published16 Aug 2024

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bryce young under pressure by jets in preseason 2023 (1)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Following Monday’s NFL training camp session, the Carolina Panthers’ offensive unit ran gassers after struggling against the defense. For their part, the defenders celebrated the dominating performance with sideline dances and cross-field trash-talk.  

Bryce Young, endured multiple interception-prone practices the past week. The quarterback could be seen leading the wind sprints, walking a few steps out from the line to shout encouragement to his peers.  

The shaky early-week outings at the Panthers’ new practice facility behind Bank of America Stadium ignited social media ramblings that Young’s Year 2 growth had already stagnated before Saturday night’s second preseason game against the visiting New York Jets. 

Young silenced some of those critics with a Heisman-level performance during Thursday’s joint practice with the Jets.  

Among his highlight throws, Young hit wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. on at least two touchdown passes. One developed on a fade route, in which Young dropped a pass over cornerback D.J. Reed to an excitable, sprawled-out receiver. Marshall rose and flipped the ball at Reed, who took exception and sparked the first of at least two fights that surely will be reviewed by league officials.   

Young, who registered a league-low 73.7 passer rating last season, also showed off his deep-ball ability with a long pass to six-year veteran David Moore. Young flourished Thursday without two of his top targets, Diontae Johnson (groin) and Xavier Legette (hamstring). 

Coming off a slow start to the week, Young embraced the results against the Jets’ defense, which ranked third in the league last season after yielding 292.4 yards per game. 

“I liked how competitive we were,” Young told reporters. “I like how we responded.”

First-year coach Dave Canales has worked with the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner this summer, focusing on refining his footwork and fundamentals.   

“When he gets challenged and the stakes rise, that’s him,” Canales said. “(Young) stays the same and continues to be accurate. I love the way he handled (Thursday).”   

Panthers-Jets Duke It Out 

While the post-whistle scrums failed to reach the intensity of last week’s Detroit Lions-New York Giants training camp slugfest, the Panthers and Jets displayed their share of skirmishes.  

Following the opening preliminary bout between Marshall and Reed, a second scuffle broke out when Panthers backup running back Mike Boone and Jets defensive lineman Michael Clemons tangled. 

At least one other time, the teams came together in defense of a teammate, but the upcoming league-imposed fines likely will not rival the $400,000 the Lions and Giants combined to pay. 

Canales continues to preach tough, but clean play. He called out Marshall’s actions. 

“Absolutely, it’s dumb football,” Canales said. “We can’t have that, guys fighting. This is the exact type of stuff that I’ve been hitting them on, especially going into this practice. 

“And he got excited. He made a great play on a really good player. Leave it at that. A great football play. How about we celebrate that?” 

Canales said he coached Marshall hard for provoking his opponent. 

“He and I talked about it out there, and we put it behind us,” Canales added. “It’s just . . . these are the moments. It’s too hard. Football is too hard. The margins are so tight in this league. 

“You can’t afford to give the opponent anything. Not the ball, not a penalty, not false starts and pre-snap things, aligning offsides. Those are all the things that marginally, they just add up and they flip the field and it makes it even harder.” 

Panthers-Jets Joint Practice Notes 

The Panthers closed training camp Thursday after hosting the Jets for joint practices the past two seasons. … The Panthers expect to be without two top defensive backs, Xavier Woods (groin) and Dane Jackson (hamstring), for at least a “couple of weeks,” Canales said … Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said the unit created five takeaways, including four interceptions. … Panthers rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace picked off Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 40, who is returning from a torn Achilles. … Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard hurt his knee and guard Chandler Zavala suffered a hamstring injury.