Panthers beat Lions 32-26 behind Young and McMillan

The Carolina Panthers beat the Detroit Lions 32-26 in Charlotte on Sunday night, closing out a high-scoring game with a defensive stop on Detroit’s final possession. Quarterback Bryce Young threw for 329 yards and two touchdowns, both to rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, as Carolina improved to 2-2 and headed into its bye week. Young completed 29 of 41 passes, repeatedly finding McMillan while two of the Panthers’ top wide receivers, Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette, were out with injuries. McMillan caught 14 passes for 192 yards. He had nine catches for 147 yards in the first half, including a 32-yard touchdown, and added a 10-yard scoring catch in the third quarter. Running back Chuba Hubbard also scored twice, rushing 20 times for 122 yards. Carolina scored touchdowns on its first drive of the game and on two long possessions to open the second half, and built a 29-19 lead. A field goal extended the advantage to 32-19. Detroit rallied to make it a one-score game late. Jared Goff threw for 412 yards and a touchdown to Sam LaPorta, whose 8-yard catch cut the margin to 32-26 with 3:38 remaining. The Lions got the ball back for a final drive, but did not gain a first down.