Bryce Young makes progress but Panthers fall to Lions

The Detroit Lions used a 20-point second quarter to topple the Carolina Panthers 26-17 Friday night in their preseason finale in Charlotte, NC.

Teddy Bridgewater led the Lions offense for the entire first half, getting into scoring range on all but one drive. He hit on 13 of his 22 pass attempts for 178 yards and one touchdown.

Stephon Gilmore added an 11-yard pick-six off Jake Luton with just three minutes remaining to cement the lead for Detroit.

The highlight of the day for Bridgewater was a 70-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Antoine Green in the second quarter. Green caught the pass from Bridgewater at Carolina's 48-yard line and sprinted to the end zone untouched.

First overall pick Bryce Young continued to improve. He led the Panthers to a field goal and a touchdown in his two drives. He completed seven of 12 passes for 73 yards and added a 16-yard scoring strike to Adam Thielen.

Adrian Martinez and Nate Sudfeld took over behind center for Bridgewater in the second half, totaling just 56 yards passing between them.