Panthers' Canales: Bryce Young Had 'Hell of a Day' in Preseason Finale vs. Bills

The Carolina Panthers and Bryce Young ended the preseason on a high note, defeating the Buffalo Bills 31-26 after losing their first two preseason games.

Young played just one drive but completed six of his eight passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, which was enough for head coach Dave Canales to proclaim that it was a "hell of a day" when Young entered the locker room.

"Couldn't have dreamt it better,'' Canales said, per ESPN's David Newton. "A fourth-down conversion in there, but saw him extend plays with his legs, keeping his eyes down the field, finding guys.''

Saturday's win against the Bills was the only action Young saw all preseason, but he looked more comfortable and composed than he did in his rookie year.

Young, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, struggled in his first year, throwing 2,877 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as the Panthers finished with the NFL's worst record at 2-15.

Canales took over as head coach this offseason after a one-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year, he helped Baker Mayfield have the best season of his career after several years of struggles, and he's now looking to help Young get back on track after his shaky first season.

With the preseason now behind them, the Panthers will kick off their season against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 8 and start what Young hopes will be a much better Year 2 under center.