Quarterback (QB) Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers threw his first touchdown in the NFL during the team's final pre-season game against the Detroit Lions on Friday. The first-overall-selected rookie told reporters that he is ready for the 2023 season opener.

The Panthers were on a third down & 4 yards at 2:32 in the first quarter. Young's pass reached wide receiver Adam Thielen, who was in front of the end zone and scored a touchdown. This marked the first touchdown thrown by Young in the three pre-season games he has played.

"Never claimed for it to be one of my strong suits," Young said of his sliding celebration after the play. "We currently have slide lessons already scheduled."

"He's definitely got to get better at it," third-string QB Matt Corral said. "We've got to bring out the tarp and soap and water."

"He pretty much caught the football for me," Thielen said. "So when you have that kind of mix of touch and precision and timing, it's tough to stop. That's why he's here. That's why he was the No. 1 pick."

Despite the 26-17 loss on Friday night, Young performed much better in this game than he did in his previous two appearances. He completed seven of his 12 passes for 73 yards, threw one touchdown, and had three carries for 21 yards.

"That comes because of my coaches and teammates just giving me the confidence and pushing me really throughout practice," Young said. "That prepares you a lot, and having these games under my belt, it's great to be able to take that and translate to playing against others."

The Panthers improved their protection of Young in the pocket, reducing the pressure on his dropbacks from 36 percent in the previous two games to 23 percent on Friday night. Such differences allowed Young to gain yards instead of running to extend the play.

"He was sharp and productive and made plays, and showed even more playmaking ability with his feet, the throw for the touchdown, another throw to Adam [Thielen] that Adam lost in the lights that had a decent chance to be completed," the Panthers' head coach Frank Reich said.

The Panthers are scheduled to visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium to play against the Atlanta Falcons on September 10, marking the beginning of their 2023 NFL regular season.