In a pivotal moment for Bryce Young, the highly-touted No. 1 overall pick, his inaugural passing touchdown has been etched into the annals of NFL history. The clock displayed 5:09 in the first half when Young orchestrated a play action that found tight end Hayden Hurst in the flat on the right side, covering a modest four yards.
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This touchdown marked a turning point in the season opener, as it drew parity between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons, locking the score at 7 apiece. This scoring drive was emblematic of Young’s precision and composure, spanning an impressive 7 minutes and 18 seconds of game time. In total, it comprised a remarkable 12 plays, covering a distance of 75 yards. The touchdown was especially significant for Hayden Hurst, a South Carolina native, as it marked his inaugural end zone celebration as a Panther.
Before this standout drive, Young’s performance had already displayed promise. Leading an 11-play, 48-yard offensive, Young positioned the team from their own 40-yard line to the Falcons’ 11-yard line. Unfortunately, the drive was thwarted by a robust Falcons defense that halted Chuba Hubbard’s fourth-and-1 rush attempt.
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However, the luster of Young’s early success dimmed briefly during his second drive. Operating within the confined space of his own 5-yard line, he unleashed a pass over the middle, albeit belatedly, only to be intercepted by Atlanta’s defensive standout, Jessie Bates III. This interception set the stage for the Falcons’ first touchdown, courtesy of fellow rookie, running back Bijan Robinson.
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Regrettably, the Panthers’ third drive culminated in a punt, offering a stark reminder of the ebb and flow inherent in professional football.
