local10
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In a Sunday night showdown, the Carolina Panthers emerged victorious over the Detroit Lions with a 32-26 score, fueled by a stellar connection between quarterback Bryce Young and rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
Young completed 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns, both to McMillan, who hauled in 14 receptions for a career-high 192 yards. The Panthers, despite a week marred by injuries, found their rhythm after punting on their first possession, scoring on six straight drives.
Chuba Hubbard contributed significantly on the ground, rushing 20 times for a season-best 122 yards and two touchdowns. With top receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette sidelined, Young relied heavily on McMillan, the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year, who delivered a standout performance.
McMillan amassed nine catches for 147 yards in the first half alone, including a 32-yard touchdown. He became just the third Carolina player, joining Steve Smith Sr. and Patrick Jeffers, to record at least 10 receptions, 150 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in a single game. He finished one catch and 9 yards short of tying franchise single-game records.
For Detroit, Jared Goff threw for 412 yards and a touchdown to Sam LaPorta, while Jahmyr Gibbs added 77 yards from scrimmage and scored his seventh touchdown of the season. Young, who entered Week 4 as the league's passing yards leader, started by completing his first 11 attempts.
The Lions managed to tie the game before halftime despite McMillan's dominance. Jameson Williams' 49-yard reception against an injury-depleted Carolina secondary set up Jake Bates' field goal to make it 16-16. However, Detroit's defense struggled to get off the field in the second half, and Young consistently found an open McMillan.
Even after LaPorta's touchdown catch brought the Lions within 32-26 with 3:38 remaining, McMillan made a toe-tapping sideline grab for a first down to keep the clock moving. Detroit had a final chance from their own 13 with 2:12 left, but Goff couldn't convert a first down, and Young knelt twice to seal the victory.
Key Analysis
The Panthers' ability to overcome injuries to key players like Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson in the secondary, as well as Coker and Legette on offense, speaks to their depth and resilience. McMillan's record-setting day not only filled the void but also showcased his big-play capability. Meanwhile, the Lions' high-powered offense, led by Goff's 412 yards, couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, falling to 2-2. The Panthers' bye week comes at an opportune time to heal before a tough road test against Philadelphia.
Injury updates: Detroit's Rock Ya-Sin left in the second half with a hamstring injury. Carolina's rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling suffered a knee injury in the third quarter and did not return; Coker was inactive with a quadriceps injury, and linebacker Jaelan Phillips exited in the fourth quarter with a hamstring issue.
Next up: The Lions visit Arizona next Sunday, while the Panthers enjoy a bye week before traveling to Philadelphia on October 18.
Originally reported by local10.