Panthers fans are ready to believe in Bryce Young's growth after promising TD drive

The Carolina Panthers may finally be coming out of their six-year long journey in the quarterback desert.

Tim Weaver | Aug 24, 2024

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 24: Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers looks to pass during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. / (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

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Carolina Panthers

Throughout the offseason Carolina Panthers fans have been treated to anecdotes about how much second-year quarterback Bryce Young has developed this year. Seeing is believing, though - and you could certainly forgive Carolina fans for being skeptical after spending six years waiting for a long-term answer at the game's most important position.

Well, today the Panthers faithful finally got to see Young in action in a live NFL game for the first time since the end of his dismal rookie season. The verdict? The rumors and reports and accounts are all true: Young has indeed grown a great deal since his first year in the league.

Watch Young dice up the Buffalo Bills en route to the end zone for a 15-play scoring drive, punctuated by a touchdown pass to tight end Jordan Matthews.

Bryce Young had a nice first drive 👀 pic.twitter.com/3dW5VA2Wq4
— =͟͟͞Blande (@JustBlande) August 24, 2024

Young's day was over after that, so he finishes with a line of 6/8 for 70 passing yards, one touchdown, one sack and a 140.6 passer rating.

As you can imagine, Panthers fans are practically giddy - even if it's only a preseason game against a second-string defense. Here's how they're reacting on Twitter.

I let out a huge sigh of relief.

Bryce Young needed that.
Dave Canales needed that.
The fan base needed that.

On to New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/ixlNmQ021b
— Michael Bell (@avl_mike) August 24, 2024

BRYCE YOUNG TOUCHDOWNpic.twitter.com/pB3ykRSNhZ
— 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 🎓 (@ThomasWrrld) August 24, 2024

Bryce Young with time in the pocket, the freedom to improv, and a WR who separates is such a beautiful thing pic.twitter.com/oqYMg3CqXQ
— Edgar Salmingo, Jr. ✌🏽 (@PanthersAnalyst) August 24, 2024

Carolina Panthers fans after Bryce Young throws a TD pass on their opening drive. pic.twitter.com/XqOj9Nrpvm
— Dennis Cox (@TheFanRookie) August 24, 2024

Hey @BillSimmons I just saw Bryce Young stand in the pocket and throw across the middle.

Just wanted you to know 😉
— Ricky Raines (@rickyboboddy) August 24, 2024

I refuse to give up on Bryce young https://t.co/TOm9gIN7vo
— Hadley (@hadleyhollern31) August 24, 2024

I know it ain’t Bryce Young out here dotting shit up. Ima just let everybody know now - I’m going to be insufferable on here when Bryce and the Panthers start beating teams this year.
— The Nature Boy Dick Hammer (@EssentialBusin7) August 24, 2024

Not much else you could want from what I assume will be Bryce Young’s only drive.

Quick in & out of the huddle, receivers schemed open, calm pocket movement when initial reads weren’t open and lots of running room.

Against the Bills twos, but 6/8 for 70 yards and a TD will do.
— Josh Klein (@joshkleinrules) August 24, 2024

Bryce Young looks so much more comfortable this year

Our text line will be in shambles
— Travis Hancock (@TBoneWFNZ) August 24, 2024

I know it is preseason and all that, but look at Bryce Young when he actually has time in the pocket.#CARvsBUF pic.twitter.com/ZpKkiFce86
— Destry Giannonatti (@BlondeBlur07) August 24, 2024

Bryce Young scores 1 touchdown in preseason.@GambleLikeMe “Yep, it’s happening - start packing for the Super Bowl - it’s our year!” >> And that is why he was the 2021 Carolina Panthers fan of the year 😂 you heard it here first folks, we going to the bowl! 🙏🏼 @Panthers #Letsgo
— GAMBLElikeMEG (@schmeggerz007) August 24, 2024