Panthers beat Lions 32-26; Young, McMillan connect twice
CHARLOTTE — The Carolina Panthers defeated the Detroit Lions 32-26 on Oct. 5, 2026, at home in Charlotte, with quarterback Bryce Young connecting twice with wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan for touchdown passes, the AP reported. Panthers coach Dave Canales said he had been a little worried after Young and McMillan had some issues connecting in practice, but the pair produced the game-changing plays when it mattered. The game was tied 16-16 at halftime after a back-and-forth first half that featured multiple long field goals and short touchdown runs.
Running back Chuba Hubbard had two rushing touchdowns, helping Carolina build a third-quarter advantage. Detroit countered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs and a late 8-yard touchdown catch by Sam LaPorta from Jared Goff that narrowed the margin. Both kickers were active in the scoring; Carolina’s Ryan Fitzgerald made long field goals and Detroit’s Jake Bates converted multiple long-distance attempts.
The Panthers improved to 2-2 overall and 1-1 at home with the victory, while the Lions fell to 2-2 and remained winless on the road. Carolina took control in the third quarter when Young and McMillan connected on a 10-yard touchdown and Hubbard added a short rushing score to extend the lead. Detroit rallied late with the Goff-to-LaPorta score but could not overcome Carolina’s earlier runs and kicking contributions.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Young-McMillan connection proved decisive when it clicked, producing two touchdown plays that swung momentum in Carolina’s favor. Hubbard’s two rushing scores supplied a necessary balance to the Panthers’ offense and helped sustain drives in the second half. Special teams influenced the game with multiple long field goals by Fitzgerald and Bates, and Carolina’s ability to hold a fourth-quarter lead despite a late Goff touchdown was the difference.