It will take some time to rebuild the Carolina Panthers offense.
Second-year quarterback Bryce Young knows that. He isn’t playing in the Panthers’ first preseason game Thursday. However, throughout training camp, he has been building chemistry with his new crop of wide receivers.
One receiver that has stood out to the 23-year-old signal-caller is Diontae Johnson, the former Pittsburgh Steelers 1,000-yard pass-catcher who the Panthers traded for during the heart of the offseason.
“Diontae is someone who works super hard, super competitive,” Young said at the end of July. “He’s always wanting to go out and compete. He’s always willing to leave it all on the practice field.
“I think it’s started off really well. We’ve been able to grow into some things. We’re going to keep working.”
Johnson is part of a completely reshaped wide receiver room. Carolina added Xavier Legette through the draft. The South Carolina product has struggled throughout the early portion of training camp, leading to him being placed on the second team in the Panthers’ initial depth chart.
Alongside Legette, the Panthers have seen a new and improved version of Jonathan Mingo, the second-round draft pick in 2023.
“I think, just speaking on this year and this group of receivers, just the competitiveness,” Young said of the changes in the wide receiver room. “There’s been shuffling, there’s been people playing in different spots, and a willingness to learn. Everyone’s embraced the coaching.”
Though not paired with Young, the Panthers will get a glimpse of its new wide receiver group against the New England Patriots.
Quality pass catcher is only part of the Panthers’ revamped offense. Central to solidifying progress is better production on the offensive line. That, too, will be on display during Carolina’s opening preseason matchup. Still, Young likes what he has seen throughout training camp.
