Charlotte’s Carolina Panthers overcame an injury‑laden week to defeat the Detroit Lions 32‑26 on Sunday night, thanks to a breakout connection between quarterback Bryce Young and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
Young and McMillan deliver in the passing game
Young completed 29 of 41 attempts for 329 yards and two touchdowns, both finding McMillan. The rookie posted 14 catches for a career‑high 192 yards, including a 32‑yard touchdown in the first half. Their chemistry turned a practice‑week concern into a decisive on‑field performance.
“Everything just clicked tonight,” McMillan said after the game. “Brad Idzik called the plays and Bryce trusted them. He made good throws and we converted.” Young added, “I know what kind of player he is. He’s special. I never second‑guessed throwing his way.”
Injuries force Young to lean on McMillan
With top receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette sidelined by injuries, Young was forced to target McMillan heavily. The 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year responded with nine catches for 147 yards before halftime, joining Steve Smith Sr. and Patrick Jeffers as the only Panthers with at least 10 receptions, 150 yards and two touchdowns in a single game.
McMillan came close to breaking franchise marks for receptions (15, set by Christian McCaffrey) and receiving yards (201, held by Smith). Young entered Week 4 leading the league in passing yards and opened the game by completing his first 11 passes.
Running game adds balance
Running back Chuba Hubbard provided a spark, carrying the ball 20 times for a season‑high 122 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers scored on six straight possessions after punting on their opening drive, establishing a lead that Detroit could not sustain.
Lions fight back but fall short
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw for 412 yards and a touchdown to tight end Sam LaPorta. Wideout Jameson Williams hauled in a 49‑yard reception, setting up a Jake Bates field goal that tied the game at 16‑all. However, the Lions could not contain Young’s late‑game passing surge.
Even after Detroit narrowed the gap to 32‑26 with 3:38 left on a LaPorta touchdown, McMillan secured a crucial first‑down reception along the right sideline, keeping the clock moving. The Panthers’ subsequent drive ended in a sack, forcing a punt.
Final drive and game‑ending kneel‑downs
Starting from their own 13‑yard line with 2:12 remaining, the Lions failed to convert first downs. Goff was unable to move the ball, and Young knelt twice to run out the clock, sealing the victory.
“We got ourselves in a hole there, which is frustrating,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “Our defense came up with a stop and we had the ball with about two minutes left, but we just couldn’t get it done.”
Injury report
Detroit lost cornerback Rock Ya‑Sin to a hamstring in the second half. Carolina saw rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling (knee) exit in the third quarter, and linebacker Jaelan Phillips left in the fourth with a hamstring injury. Coker remained inactive with a quadriceps issue. Panthers coach Dave Canales had no further updates on the injured players.
Looking ahead
The Panthers will have a bye week before traveling to Philadelphia on Oct. 18. Detroit heads to Arizona for its next matchup.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
