Is Bryce Young Limiting Tetairoa McMillan’s Rookie Performance Midseason?

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has described his first half of the season as “average,” despite showing potential as a key player on the team. His teammates view him differently, recognizing his significant contributions to the Panthers’ offense.

Tetairoa McMillan’s Rookie Performance

Currently, the Panthers hold a record of 5-5 as they head into their NFC South matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. McMillan, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 draft, leads the team with 46 receptions, accumulating 618 yards. This performance accounts for 34.2% of the team’s receiving yards and 24.1% of their total receptions.

Top six wide receivers after McMillan combined for 46 catches and 523 yards.
No other receiver has more than 20 catches and 181 yards.

Despite his success, the heavy reliance on McMillan has made the Panthers’ offense predictable. Opposing defenses are able to focus on him, limiting the team’s ability to effectively execute deep passing plays. A recent example is the game against the New Orleans Saints, where Carolina struggled offensively, with running back Rico Dowdle held to just 53 yards.

Challenges in the Deep Game

McMillan was expected to be a deep threat given his size and ability to gain separation. However, statistics indicate that he has not yet translated this talent to the NFL. He ranks poorly among all players with 10 or more targets on deep throws:

Tied for seventh worst in completion percentage on throws of 20-plus air yards.
Only 3 catches from 11 targets for 78 yards and no touchdowns on deep passes.

Moreover, his average yards per attempt (24.9) on such throws is the lowest in the league. Bryce Young, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is also struggling, completing only 35% of his deep passing attempts. This situation raises questions regarding the impact of Young’s performance on McMillan’s ability to contribute more effectively.

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges, McMillan maintains a positive outlook. He emphasized the importance of winning matchups and making adjustments to improve. Team camaraderie appears strong, as his teammates recognize his contributions, often benefiting from the defensive attention he draws.

McMillan believes that recapturing his explosive playmaking ability, reminiscent of his successful college days, could elevate his game. He expressed hope for a more productive second half of the season, aiming to transform missed opportunities into successful plays.

McMillan recorded two touchdowns in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys.
His previous college performance included a standout game with 304 yards and four touchdowns against New Mexico.

As the season progresses, how McMillan and Young adjust to these challenges could significantly influence the Panthers’ overall success.