Bryce Young connected twice with Tetairoa McMillan to lead the Carolina Panthers to a 32-26 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday night in Charlotte. The Panthers improved to 2-2 on the season, securing their first home win after an injury-challenged defensive effort helped contain Detroit to just two touchdowns.
Young completed 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards, while McMillan hauled in 14 receptions for 192 yards. Running back Chuba Hubbard contributed 122 yards on 20 carries and scored two rushing touchdowns, helping sustain Carolina’s offensive momentum.
Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw for 412 yards, completing 32 of 52 attempts with one touchdown. Wide receiver Jameson Williams recorded six catches for 102 yards. Despite Goff’s aerial production, Detroit’s ground game remained limited, with just 15 rushing attempts on 68 offensive snaps. Lions kicker Jake Bates made four field goals from distances of 54, 43, 41, and 26 yards.
The Panthers opened the second half with two lengthy touchdown drives. The first ended with McMillan’s 10-yard touchdown catch, putting Carolina ahead 22-16 after the extra point was missed. Later, Hubbard scored on a 2-yard run during a seven-play drive, extending the lead to 29-19. A 33-yard field goal by Ryan Fitzgerald added three more points for Carolina.
Detroit threatened late in the game, advancing to the Carolina 15-yard line, but penalties stalled the drive and forced a turnover on downs. The Lions responded on their next possession, moving 67 yards in just under three minutes. Goff found tight end Sam LaPorta for an 8-yard touchdown with 3:38 remaining, narrowing the deficit to 32-26. However, Detroit failed to advance further after regaining the ball near the end of the game due to lack of timeouts and no first down.
The first half was closely contested, with both teams exchanging field goals in the final moments before halftime. Fitzgerald’s 47-yard kick was matched by Bates’ 41-yarder, leaving the score tied at 16.
Carolina struck first on Hubbard’s 15-yard touchdown run early in the game, aided by Young’s perfect 4-for-4 passing on an eight-play drive. Young then connected with McMillan for a 32-yard touchdown, giving the Panthers a 13-6 lead. McMillan amassed 110 receiving yards on six catches in less than 22 minutes of play.
Detroit evened the score at 16-16 with just over two minutes remaining in the opening half, when Jahmyr Gibbs capped an 11-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
The Panthers’ win on Sunday night demonstrated a balanced offensive attack and a resilient defense, despite injury setbacks, while the Lions’ potent passing game ultimately fell short.