Tetairoa McMillan Made Panthers History in Win vs Lions

Against the Detroit Lions in Week 4, Tetairoa McMillan made Carolina Panthers history.

The second-year WR became the second Panthers player ever to produce 175 or more receiving yards and two touchdowns in a game.

Steve Smith Sr. collected 178 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1 of the 2011 season against the Arizona Cardinals.

McMillan had 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions, helping the Panthers win on Sunday Night Football by a final score of 32-26. 

Thanks to his performance in Week 4, McMillan is on pace to shatter the 70-catch, 1,014-yard performance from last season. 

McMillan won the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He led all rookies last season in receiving yards (1,014), receiving yards per game (59.6) and touchdown receptions (seven) and ranked third in receptions (70). He broke the Panthers' franchise record for most receiving yards by a rookie.

Thus far this season, McMillan has 26 catches for 385 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers are 2-2.

Bryce Young and OC Brad Idzik have led 22 scoring drives through the first four games -- the most for the franchise since 2000. It's early, but the Panthers may have one of the best offenses in the NFL. 

Young is set to make $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million. It was picked up by Carolina in the offseason.

The Panthers didn't sign Young to an extension, so the QB has to play well again this season to get paid next offseason, and so far, Young is playing really, really well. He has 1,268 passing yards and nine passing touchdowns while completing 62.3% of his passes. 

Young led the Panthers to the playoffs last season, where Carolina lost to the Los Angeles Rams at home in the wild-card round. It's been remarkable to watch Young's turnaround in Carolina. Remember, Young was benched for Andy Dalton in 2024. When that happened, many people thought Young's days in Carolina were over. 

However, the Alabama product kept his head down and worked hard and now he looks like a superstar. 

The Panthers are now on their bye week. They can rest and recover. The next time we see Young and McMillan will be on October 18 against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Carolina won the NFC South last season. Young and Co. are currently in first place in the division.