McMillan, Young Shine in Panthers’ Preseason Opener

The Carolina Panthers showed promising signs in their 30-10 preseason loss to the Cleveland Browns, highlighted by quarterback Bryce Young’s 4-of-6, 58-yard, one-touchdown performance over two drives. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the eighth overall pick in the 2025 draft, caught two passes for a game-high 43 yards, including a 30-yard deep pass and a 13-yard gain, though he narrowly missed a touchdown catch in the end zone. Veteran Adam Thielen contributed with a clean 10-yard sideline catch before exiting early, maintaining his role as a reliable target. The developing chemistry between Young and McMillan has generated optimism for an improved Panthers offense this season. After a difficult rookie year, Young’s poise and the team’s more pass-focused approach are seen as key to ending Carolina’s playoff drought. Fans and analysts are hopeful the Young-McMillan duo will revitalize the team’s attack.