Panthers' Bryce Young, QBs bury defense during NFL training camp practice

The Carolina Panthers' defense carried training camp bragging rights into the locker room during the opening two practices last week.

Quarterback Bryce Young delivered the shots, both vertically and verbally, during the fifth camp session.

Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn indicated after practice that the offense had its way with the defense.

"Bryce is just continuing to take the next steps,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said, as reported by The Charlotte Observer. “What I see from Bryce right now is just ownership and mastery of the concepts. And now, I just see the timing, the rhythm, and just the me-to-you factor with his guys."

With his fifth NFL season guaranteed, Young will be competing for a contract extension next season.

Questions remain:

• Can the 2023 No. 1 overall draft choice raise his game during the team's NFC South title defense?
• Can he develop into a top-10 signal-caller?

Young performed like a top-tier starter Wednesday during the players' second padded practice.

Panthers QB Bryce Young seeks long-term deal

Among Young's highlight throws, he hit wide receiver Xavier Legette in the end zone during an 11-on-11 drill. Legette beat safety Nick Scott and Young delivered a pass in the corner where his target created a score.

Young also placed a high-arching pass to wide receiver/special teams ace Brycen Tremayne, who rose to snare the ball over cornerback Corey Thornton. The two engaged in trash-talk afterward.

Tight end JaTavion Sanders even got in on the act, reaching out to haul in a one-handed effort with safety Tre'von Moehrig in coverage.

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"I just see his level of comfort really showing up with the guys," Canales said. "I’m just excited as we continue to build on that.”

Following a slow start to his career, Young guided the 8-9 Panthers to the NFC South division title last season, enjoying career marks in passing yards (3,011) and touchdown passes (23). His passer rating was 87.78.  

Before committing to Young on a long-term deal, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan needs to see if the 2021 Heisman Trophy recipient will continue to progress in 2026.

More NFL news:

• Newcomer Cam Gill in game-shape for first Panthers practice in pads
• Panthers DL Cam Jackson embraces Tershawn Wharton's coaching
• How Panthers GM Dan Morgan improved team weakness
• Two returning Panthers facing tough NFL training camp challenges
• Panthers' Xavier Legette catching praise from coach Dave Canales