The Carolina Panthers' starting offense slumped early in the 2026 NFL preseason. Fourth-year quarterback Bryce Young and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik hadn't found their footing, managing 26 total yards in their first four drives. But on the fifth drive against the Jacksonville Jaguars' backup defense, they adjusted for a seven-play, 58-yard touchdown drive. Young moved around the pocket and made quick tosses to tight end Tommy Tremble and wide receiver Tetairoa Mc Millan, showing a glimpse of a more aggressive offense heading into the regular season.

Idzik is new to playcalling but not to Young. The coordinator, now in his third year with the title, takes over from coach Dave Canales. With a new voice in the quarterback's helmet, the hope is Young -- with a lucrative contract extension at stake -- will flourish. "He's definitely been aggressive, which is huge for us," Young said.

The Young-led offense failed to get off to fast starts over the past two seasons. According to Tru Media, the Panthers ranked 21st and 26th in first-quarter scoring average. They finished 30th in passing yardage and 29th in total yardage in 2024, and 26th and 27th in 2025. Carolina wants to push the tempo with Idzik at the controls.

Training camp tested the tandem's focus on urgency, with mixed results. Young had star-like practices but was stifled in joint practices against the Jaguars and Houston Texans. Idzik and Young feel comfortable making adjustments in games that count. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, signed in March, has been in the room all summer.