After playing two series on Friday night in his second NFL preseason game, former Alabama All-American Bryce Young deemed it “a step in the right direction.”

Young made his pro debut last week by taking 11 snaps as the Carolina Panthers’ quarterback in a 27-0 loss to the New York Jets.

Against the New York Giants on Friday night, the Panthers went three-and-out on their first possession. But on its second, Carolina moved from its 19-yard line to a first-and-10 at the New York 11.

Young had first down throws to wide receivers Jonathan Mingo and Adam Thielen during the drive, and Carolina benefited from three Giants’ penalties – two offsides and one roughing the passer (which came on a third-and-9 incompletion).

But on second down at the New York 10-yard line, Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux sacked Young for a 7-yard loss. A delay-of-game penalty followed on the Panthers’ next trip to the line of scrimmage.

Young connected with tight end Hayden Hurst for a 15-yard gain to the Giants 7-yard line, but an offensive-holding penalty wiped out the gain and left Carolina facing third-and-31 at the New York 32.

After Young’s 13-yard completion to DJ Chark, Matthew Wright kicked a 37-yard field goal with 11:58 left in the first half for the Panthers’ first points of the preseason.

“I think a little better operationally, better operation,” Young told the Carolina Panthers Radio Network after coming out of the game when asked to compare his two outings. “I think communication was good. Able to put some points on the board. Again, we want to score every drive, and you know we want touchdowns, but we were able to get some points on the board today, which is a step in the right direction.

“But again, there’s a lot for us to improve on. We want to keep growing and being better, so when the game does end, we’ll watch the film and try to keep growing.”

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Against the Giants, Young completed 3-of-6 passes for 35 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He also had his first pro rushing attempt, running for 1 yard on his opening snap.

Against the Jets, Young completed 4-of-6 passes for 21 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was sacked once in that game, too.

The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, Young joined Carolina on April 27 as the first player picked in the NFL Draft.

“It’s a blessing, for sure,” Young said of his two preseason games. “We’re taking it day-by-day. I’m trying to grow, trying to get better. It’s a learning experience, but there’s ups and downs, so just trying to take it day-by-day and grow. But again, it’s an amazing opportunity, and it’s definitely a blessing.”

The Panthers will complete their three-game preseason schedule against the Detroit Lions at 7 p.m. CDT Friday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. CBS will televise the game.

Carolina will kick off its regular-season schedule on the road against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 10.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.