Carolina Panthers Bryce Young limited to 21 yards in preseason debut against New York Jets – TSN.ca

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) — Bryce Young’s preseason debut didn’t go as planned.

The No. 1 pick in the NFL draft was 4-of-6 passing for 21 yards Saturday as the Carolina Panthers lost 27-0 to the New York Jets.

Young played three series and the Panthers picked up just one first, with the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner under the Jets defense resting their start. New York’s attacking game can still collect points despite resting defender Aaron Rodgers.

Young didn’t get much help from his offensive line as he was hit at the back 3 of 7 times, including a flank shot at his centre-back from Solomon Thomas’ 293-pound defense trying to pass the ball. first time

“It’s a lack of execution to start with myself,” said Young. “I can certainly do better. And as we are all responsible … we have to take ownership of this and make it even better.”

Young’s lack of body size was the biggest problem when he entered the league, but the 5-foot-10, 204-pound defender bounced back to his feet after taking a blow from Thomas.

“I said to him, ‘Well, that’s a pretty big welcome to the NFL. How does that person feel?’” Panthers coach Frank Reich said. “He said he was fine and barely felt it.”

Added Ickey Ekwonu on the Panthers’ offensive line: “He shouldn’t have been hit. In the end it’s up to us (as an offensive line), today we weren’t good enough.”

Reich didn’t appear to be overly concerned with Carolina’s lack of offensive production — the Panthers only had 165 yards — saying the team was “very average” offensive because he didn’t want to show too much of his playbook in the league.

The Jets (1-1) had no problem deciphering Carolina’s offense, sacking five sacks in the biggest offseason win in team history.

“I think our D-line was chasing them early, and really for all four quarters that made it difficult for them to execute,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “We showed who we are. our style of play And that was the challenge from this week until last week.”

Rodgers’ debut with the Jets will have to wait another day, as Saleh retains four-time league MVP for the second straight preseason game. Rodgers, 39, has not played in a preseason game since 2018 against Green Bay.

Zach Wilson started and played the full first half, leading the Jets to score on 3 of 6 possessions in the first half. He finished 14 of 20 for 123 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown pass to backup Kenny Yeboah. Wilson appears to be more comfortable as the game goes on. with mostly short passes under coverage

“I tried to get the ball out of my hands quickly. That was my goal today,” Wilson said. When you get the ball in their hands They can really do something with it.”

The Jets led the Panthers 189-32 at the half and led 13-0 at the break.

“I think he had three chances to score so he was very effective,” Saleh said of Wilson. “I’m really pumped for him. He was making great strides.”

Rookie Israel Abanikanda ran for 37 yards on six carries, including a 26-yard that exploded in the middle. The fifth-round pick from Pittsburgh dragged a quarterback in the final five yards before being pulled down near the goal line.

After throwing an interception, Jets third hand Tim Boyle bounced back with a tight TD pass to the finish line, EJ Jenkins and Zack Kuntz. Boyle finished 9-of-10 for 84 yards.

Carolina traded it from No. 9 in the draft for Young, with team owner David Tepper saying he’s having the former Alabama star lead the franchise to multiple Super Bowl titles.

But if the Panthers (0-1) are to weather a five-year playoff drought and make noise in the NFC South, Reich will need to drastically improve their offensive line.

dream come true

Despite the lack of production, Young called his first NFL season start “surreal” and “a dream come true”.

“It’s something I will always remember. But you only live in that moment. Because there is work to be done,” said Young. “I don’t take it for granted and I am certainly blessed.”

injury

Panthers veteran Cameron Irving was tackled with a right ankle injury.

next

Jets: Host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday night.

Panthers: Visit the New York Giants on Friday night.