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Carolina Panthers followers are witnessing the emergence of a franchise cornerstone in rookie extensive receiver Tetairoa McMillan. On Sunday in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons, McMillan delivered a press release efficiency that introduced his arrival as a respectable NFL expertise.
Dealing with a Falcons protection ranked No. 1 in opposition to the move, he caught eight passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns in a show that few first-year gamers ever obtain.
In line with Michael Bell, McMillan now joins an unique group of rookies since 2000 who recorded no less than eight receptions, 130 yards, and two touchdowns in a single recreation. The names on that listing embody Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Odell Beckham Jr., Anquan Boldin, and Roy Williams.
Rookie receivers since 2000 with no less than 8 receptions, 130 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in a recreation:
– Tetairoa McMillan
– Justin Jefferson
– Ja’Marr Chase
– Odell Beckham Jr.
– Anquan Boldin
– Roy Williams pic.twitter.com/fUysMzavHj— Michael Bell (@avl_mike) November 19, 2025
His breakout efficiency immediately locations him amongst elite rookie receiving seasons throughout twenty years of NFL historical past. The Panthers attacked the Falcons by way of the air, and McMillan was the first beneficiary of that offensive strategy.
He accounted for eight of Bryce Younger’s 31 passing makes an attempt, changing these targets into 130 of Younger’s 448 complete yards. The importance of his efficiency extends past the stat line.
Just one Panthers rookie extensive receiver had beforehand registered 100-plus yards with two touchdowns in a recreation. David Gettis completed that feat in 2010, and McMillan surpassed his yardage complete regardless of having established predecessors like Kelvin Benjamin, Steve Smith, and D.J. Moore setting excessive rookie requirements.
The Panthers confronted a selection between addressing defensive weaknesses or investing of their receiving corps. Many anticipated them to pick edge rusher Jalon Walker to strengthen their move rush.
As an alternative, they prioritized McMillan, believing their quarterback wanted reinforcements at receiver and that strengthening Younger’s reference to a premier expertise mattered greater than fast defensive assist. McMillan’s trajectory suggests a rookie season able to contending for Offensive Rookie of the 12 months honors.
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