Bryce Young and a majority of the Carolina Panthers starters suited up for the first time this preseason on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. Fans were anxious to get a glimpse of the former No. 1 overall pick in first-year head coach Dave Canales’ system. The team was missing starting center Austin Corbett and starting left guard Damien Lewis as neither player traveled with the team due to personal reasons. Still, the offense looked crisp as Young went 6-of-8 for 70 yards and a touchdown. The second year quarterback found Diontae Johnson deep left for a 17 yard pass play on fourth down to keep the drive going.
The 12-play drive ate up 6:48 of clock and the coaching staff had seen enough. There was a glimpse into the role the tight ends will play in the passing game in Canales’ scheme. Rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders had a 13 yard reception on the second play of the game and Jordan Matthews capped the drive with an 8-yard touchdown reception.
Corbett and Lewis are expected back in the starting lineup when Carolina travels to New Orleans to open the regular season against an NFC South divisional rival.