A Carolina Panthers rookie is having an incredible first season.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is having an impressive rookie campaign. McMillan had the best game of his career in the Panthers' 30-27 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons.
In the game, McMillan had eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Carolina selected the 22-year-old wideout with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has proven to be the wide receiver one of the future.
On the season, McMillan has 54 receptions for 748 yards and four touchdowns. The six-foot-five receiver has remained consistent despite the offense struggling at times.
He has emerged as a contender for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award along with Emeka Egbuka, Tyler Warren, and Jaxson Dart.
Quarterback Bryce Young is in his third season and has shown flashes, but he has yet to establish himself as a consistent passer. Prior to this game against the Falcons, Young had gone seven straight games under 200 yards passing.
However, Young had the best game of his career on Sunday, which could serve as a breakout moving forward. The 24-year-old quarterback completed 31 of 45 passes for 448 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
If he can continue to play at a high level moving forward, it could help McMillan become one of the best receivers in the league.
With Young and McMillan both coming off the best games of their careers, it could build confidence for the rest of the season.
This major win for Carolina comes just a week after a brutal 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
The Panthers stand at 6-5 and are in the playoff hunt. Carolina even has a shot at winning the NFC South, as they are only a half-game behind the 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers have two games remaining against the Buccaneers, which gives them a true shot at winning the division and making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
As Young and McMillan improve as players and develop chemistry, they could lead Carolina back to the postseason. Their offensive connection will be crucial for this stretch run, as well as the future of the Panthers franchise.