The Carolina Panthers beat the Detroit Lions 32-26 on Sunday night in Charlotte, dropping Detroit to 2-2 and moving Carolina to 2-2. Sam LaPorta caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Jared Goff with 3:38 left and Jake Bates made the extra point, which was Detroit’s last score. The teams were tied 16-16 at halftime, and Carolina’s second half was Tetairoa McMillan’s 10-yard score with a missed extra point, a 26-yard Jake Bates field goal, Chuba Hubbard’s 2-yard touchdown run, and Ryan Fitzgerald’s 33-yard field goal. Both of Tetairoa McMillan’s touchdowns, including his 32-yard catch in the second quarter, came with missed extra points. The quarters were 3, 13, 3 and 7 for Detroit and 7, 9, 13 and 3 for Carolina, and Jahmyr Gibbs also scored on a 1-yard run in the second quarter.
The Final Box Score
Bryce Young was 29 of 41 for 329 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and was sacked three times for 11 yards, Tetairoa McMillan had 14 catches for 192 yards and both of those touchdowns, and Chuba Hubbard had 20 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Jared Goff was 32 of 52 for 412 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions and was sacked once for 6 yards. Jahmyr Gibbs had 15 carries for 46 yards and one touchdown, Jameson Williams had 6 catches for 102 yards, Isaac TeSlaa had 4 catches for 95 yards, Amon-Ra St. Brown had 8 catches for 75 yards, and Sam LaPorta had 8 catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Jake Bates was 4 for 4 on field goals with a long of 54 and 2 for 2 on extra points, and Ryan Fitzgerald was 2 for 2 on field goals with a long of 47 and 2 for 4 on extra points.
LaPorta Talks Stay on Hold
The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta have suspended contract extension negotiations indefinitely after weeks of talks failed to produce a deal before the season reached the four-week mark. LaPorta’s camp insisted on ending conversations to focus entirely on the field, pushing any resolution to the offseason. While the front office has historically negotiated extensions during the season, as seen with Alim McNeill, the immediate priority is now on-field performance. LaPorta remains under contract through 2026, with the franchise tag projected at $17.5 million available for 2027 if a new deal is not reached.
Branch Practice Window Opens
Brian Branch has a “really good chance” of returning to practice next week as the mandatory four-week period on the physically unable to perform list concludes with the Week 5 matchup against Arizona. Branch practices, the team will open a 21-day window to activate him to the 53-man roster. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the safety is close to full health, stating he is “ready to go” and has put in significant work to recover from the torn Achilles suffered late last season.
Halftime Score Tied in Charlotte
The Lions and Panthers played to a 16-16 tie at halftime on Sunday Night Football in Charlotte, with Detroit’s offense generating big plays despite a struggling secondary. Jared Goff connected with Jameson Williams for a 49-yard gain late in the second quarter to set up a game-tying 41-yard field goal by third-year kicker Jake Bates. Carolina rookie Tetairoa McMillan dominated the first half, recording nine catches for 147 yards and a touchdown, exploiting coverage issues that have plagued Detroit’s defensive backs early in the year.
Reed Active Despite Rib Injury
Starting cornerback D.J. Reed was declared active for the game despite a rib injury that carried a questionable designation throughout the week. The Lions elevated safety Jalen Mills for the contest, resulting in a 54-man game-day roster with six players inactive, including guard Ben Bartch who was ruled out due to a foot injury.
McMillan Exploits Secondary Gaps
Carolina’s passing attack found immediate success against Detroit’s depleted secondary, with Tetairoa McMillan becoming the focal point of the offense. Panthers’ 202 total yards in the first half, including a 32-yard touchdown reception from Bryce Young. No other Panthers player recorded more than 10 receiving yards, highlighting McMillan’s isolation as the primary weapon against Detroit’s nickel and dime packages.
Meeks Adjusts to Tight End Role
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing indicated that rookie Jackson Meeks has handled the transition to tight end without being overwhelmed by the new responsibilities. Petzing praised Meeks’ mental and physical performance during his first live action, noting that while there are nuances to clean up regarding route running and eye discipline, the rookie competed effectively. The coaching staff views Meeks’ development as a variable that will be decided by his continued growth in the coming weeks.
This article was created by aggregating Detroit Lions news using Artificial Intelligence.
