Panthers' McMillan sets records after coach admits rough practice week

Dave Canales did not sugarcoat it. The Carolina Panthers head coach admitted that Tetairoa McMillan and Bryce Young had a rough week of preparation ahead of Sunday night's matchup with the Detroit Lions.

"I got to be honest. It was not a great week of practice for the two of them. There were some misses. They had to work through some stuff and talk through it," Canales said, per reporter Joe Person.

Whatever was broken in practice got fixed in prime time. McMillan dominated the Panthers' 32-26 win over the Lions, hauling in 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns. The performance set records in the process, though the specific marks he reached have not been detailed.

The second-year receiver exploded with explosive plays throughout the primetime clash, helping Carolina fend off Detroit. Canales reflected on the disconnect between the practice struggles and the Sunday brilliance.

"I've been a part of this before, where you don't make the judgement on what's going to happen on Sunday as the guys continue to work and find that. Then for it to show up like that was beautiful," Canales said.

GAME FLOW: PANTHERS TAKE CONTROL IN SECOND HALF

The first half was a slugfest. Both teams traded blows and went into the break even at 16 apiece, with neither side able to create real separation in the Panthers' primetime clash with Detroit.

Carolina seized control after halftime and never let go. The Panthers outscored the Lions 16-10 over the final 30 minutes of regulation, taking command of the game and slamming the door on Detroit's comeback hopes.

McMillan was the catalyst for that second-half surge. The second-year receiver delivered explosive play after explosive play, keeping the Lions' defense off balance and giving Bryce Young a reliable target downfield. His ability to turn short gains into chunk yardage flipped the momentum squarely in Carolina's favor.

By the time the final whistle blew, the Panthers had secured the 32-26 victory. McMillan's performance helped Dave Canales and his staff fend off a Lions team that refused to go quietly.