Bryce Young delivered the best performance of his career on Sunday night, leading the Carolina Panthers to a 32-26 win over the Detroit Lions in the franchise's first Sunday Night Football appearance since 2016.
Young completed 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, completing his first 11 throws. Both scores went to second-year wideout Tetairoa McMillan, who set career highs with 14 catches for 192 yards — including 147 yards before halftime.
Carolina's ground game came alive as well. Chuba Hubbard carried 20 times for a season-high 122 yards and two touchdowns, and the Panthers scored on six straight possessions after an opening punt. The game was tied 16-16 at halftime before Carolina pulled away.
Detroit made it interesting late. Down 32-26 with 3:38 remaining, the Lions twice drove into scoring position but turned the ball over on downs both times. Jared Goff finished 32 of 52 for 412 yards and a touchdown to Sam LaPorta, while Jameson Williams added 102 receiving yards and Jake Bates kicked four field goals.
The win evened both teams' records at 2-2. Carolina lost rookie Monroe Freeling to a knee injury and Jaelan Phillips to a hamstring issue, while Detroit cornerback Rock Ya-Sin left with a hamstring injury.
