The Carolina Panthers made the most of their return to the Sunday Night Football spotlight, knocking off the Detroit Lions 32-26 Sunday night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Quarterback Bryce Young turned in one of his best performances of the season, completing 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. His favorite target was Tetairoa McMillan, who had a career night with 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panthers also got it done on the ground. Chuba Hubbard rushed for 122 yards on 20 carries and scored twice, giving Carolina the balanced attack it needed against Detroit. The Panthers finished with 445 total yards and scored on six straight possessions after punting on their opening drive.
The game was tied 16-16 at halftime, but Carolina took control in the third quarter. Young connected with McMillan for a 10-yard touchdown before Hubbard punched in his second score of the night to help the Panthers build their advantage.
Detroit refused to go away. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 412 yards, and his eight-yard touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta pulled the Lions within 32-26 with less than four minutes remaining. Detroit got the football back with just over two minutes left and a chance to win, but the Carolina defense came up with the stop it needed.
The victory improves the Panthers to 2-2 on the season and gave Carolina its first home victory of the year. It was also the Panthers’ first Sunday Night Football appearance in Charlotte since 2015—and they made their return to prime time count. The Panthers will have a bye this week before going to the Eagles on October 18th.
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