Panthers Rookie Receiver Reflects on Mixed Season Performance

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan described his first half of the season as “average.” Despite his self-assessment, his teammates believe he is a key asset heading into the NFC South matchup against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Sunday.

McMillan, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, leads the Panthers with 46 catches for 618 yards. This accounts for over one-third of the team’s receiving yards, which has raised concerns about the predictability of the offense.

While McMillan’s performance shows promise, he has struggled with deep passes. He has caught only three of 11 attempts thrown at least 20 yards downfield this season and has not made a catch on four targets of 30-plus yards. His teammates emphasize his ability to draw coverage, which opens up opportunities for others.

McMillan highlighted the need for improvement, stating, “We’ve got to get better. We can’t just be possession receivers. We have to create explosiveness ourselves.” He mentioned that making deep catches could elevate his status, drawing comparisons to top NFL receivers.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the first overall pick of the 2023 draft, has been scrutinized for his accuracy on deep throws, completing only 35% of such attempts, ranking 23rd in the league. McMillan insists the blame shouldn’t fall solely on Young, as both players need to improve their chemistry on the field.

During college, McMillan was known for his elite catch radius and ability to create plays after the catch. However, he has only managed two touchdowns this season. He remains committed to improving his game in the second half of the season.

As the Panthers prepare for their crucial matchup against the Falcons, McMillan’s teammates recognize his influence, regardless of his self-proclaimed average performance. Other players have noted that his presence on the field significantly impacts opponents’ defensive strategies. “His game calls for a lot of attention from the defense,” said tight end Tommy Tremble.

McMillan remains optimistic about his future impacts, acknowledging his missed opportunities but expressing confidence about his potential to contribute more significantly moving forward.