The Carolina Panthers picked up their first win of the season this past Sunday, routing the Atlanta Falcons, 30-0. In spite of how the score looked, though, the Panthers' offense was far from great, managing just 224 total yards.
Realistically speaking, Carolina's offense has really only had one bright spot thus far in 2025: rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
McMillan logged three catches for 48 yards against the Falcons and has totaled 14 receptions for 216 yards, but he is yet to reach the end zone.
Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer expects that to change very soon, though.
Fowler is predicting an imminent breakout performance from McMillan, who was selected by the Panthers with the eighth overall pick of the NFL Draft back in April.
"The Tetairoa McMillan breakout game is coming," Fowler wrote. "... But — no touchdowns yet for McMillan. And no banner headline performances, either. His best game, the 100-yard effort against Arizona, came in a loss. Still, there’s no doubt it’s coming. Thunderclouds are gathering in the distance. Lightning will strike. Maybe on Sunday at New England. Maybe not for a couple of weeks. But T-Mac, as he prefers to be called, is like a soccer forward who keeps banging shots off the crossbar. When somebody is generating that many opportunities for himself, it’s only a matter of time."
Fowler went on to project that McMillan will soon have a game in which he racks up 150 yards and a couple of touchdowns, and given his superb talent, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising.
The 22-year-old was brilliant at Arizona, putting together back-to-back eye-popping seasons before entering the NFL Draft after 2024. Last year, McMillan hauled in 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight scores. The preceding campaign, he snared 90 balls for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Standing 6-foot-5 and blessed with game-breaking speed, McMillan may very well be one of the most gifted receivers in football, and so long as Bryce Young progresses under center, McMillan should have an eternally bright future in Carolina.