Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers’ first-team offense showed significant improvement Friday night, as the Panthers cruised to a 34-17 preseason victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Young looked far more comfortable in his second preseason appearance, completing 5 of 6 passes for 49 yards while directing a scoring drive that gave Carolina an early spark. The Panthers improved to 2-1 in the preseason, while Jacksonville fell to 1-1.
The game was suspended with two minutes remaining because of lightning in the area. Rather than wait the mandatory 30 minutes to resume play, both coaching staffs agreed to end the game.
By then, the outcome was essentially decided. After a disappointing performance against Buffalo last week, Young and Carolina’s starters needed a bounce-back outing.
Young directed a 58-yard touchdown drive on Carolina’s second possession, picking up five first downs along the way. That was five more first downs than the Panthers managed during Young’s three series against the Bills. Running back Jonathon Brooks capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
The improvement was especially encouraging considering how poorly Carolina’s first-team offense performed in Buffalo. The Panthers managed just 11 yards on three drives, while Young missed on two throws and was sacked three times on third down.
Friday’s performance should give head coach Dave Canales enough confidence to rest Young and other key starters when Carolina hosts Houston in its preseason finale next Friday.
Carolina received several strong performances from players looking to make an impression. A.J. Dillon also found the end zone, while wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. showcased his explosiveness throughout the night.
Horn had a 39-yard end-around, a 29-yard kickoff return and a 15-yard reception, repeatedly demonstrating the speed that could help him compete for a role on the Panthers’ roster.
The highlight of the night, however, came from wide receiver Roc Taylor. Taylor, who signed with Carolina earlier this month after spending training camp with Pittsburgh last year, made an outstanding 16-yard touchdown catch from Kenny Pickett late in the third quarter.
Taylor was fully turned around with a defender in his face when he secured the pass. He then celebrated in the back of the end zone with a playful giddy up horsey routine.
Jacksonville once again kept its starters on the sideline. The Jaguars held out Trevor Lawrence, two-way standout Travis Hunter and the rest of their projected first-teamers for the second consecutive preseason game. Jacksonville also plans to keep its starters out of next week’s preseason finale against Tampa Bay.
Without its top players, the Jaguars struggled with consistency and discipline. Jacksonville committed nine penalties in the first half and turned the ball over twice during the game. Still, there were some positive developments.
Running back Ameer Abdullah strengthened his case for a roster spot with an impressive performance. The 12-year NFL veteran totaled 82 yards, rushing six times for 45 yards and catching three passes for 37 yards.
His biggest run went for 23 yards, when Abdullah made a sharp move in the flat and juked Panthers cornerback Chau Smith-Wade.
Abdullah is competing with DeeJay Dallas and rookie J’Mari Taylor for the Jaguars’ fourth running back position. Dallas finished with 27 rushing yards and added a 2-point conversion, but also lost a fumble in the third quarter.
Jaguars backup quarterback Nick Mullens also looked considerably better after a rough outing against New Orleans last week. Mullens completed 6 of 7 passes for 65 yards and led a 71-yard drive that resulted in a field goal.
He was 3 of 7 with an interception against the Saints, making Friday’s performance a welcome step forward as Jacksonville evaluates its quarterback depth behind Lawrence.
Carolina also chose to protect a number of important players. The Panthers held out roughly a dozen players, including projected starters Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, Chuba Hubbard, Xavier Legette and Devin Lloyd.
Other Panthers who did not play included Akayleb Evans, Cam Jackson, Haynes King, Will Lee, Ja’seem Reed and Darren Waller. With several starters already sitting out, Young’s efficient outing was particularly encouraging for Carolina heading into the final week of the preseason.
The Panthers now have a decision to make regarding their starters. Young’s improved performance against Jacksonville could make it easier for Canales to shut him down for the preseason finale and focus on getting the regular season roster healthy.
Carolina will host the Houston Texans next Friday. The Jaguars will return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their final exhibition game.
For the Panthers, the biggest takeaway from Friday night was simple: after an ugly showing against Buffalo, Young and the first-team offense finally looked like the group Carolina hoped to see heading into the 2026 season.
