Tetairoa McMillan, the Carolina Panthers’ first-round draft pick, made a notable impact during the team’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. Selected eighth overall in April, McMillan was brought in with expectations to add a big-play element to the Panthers’ offense.
During the game, after an initial three-and-out drive, the Panthers started their second possession from their own 27-yard line. Head coach Dave Canales called on McMillan for a key play. Quarterback Bryce Young targeted McMillan down the right sideline, where he was matched up against Browns cornerback Chigozie Anusiem. Using his size and positioning, McMillan managed to secure a contested catch near the sideline.
“I just did my release. Look up, the ball is right there, perfectly placed,” recalled McMillan. “At the end of the day I got to come down with it. So, a great ball by Bryce and I’m just glad he trusted me on that particular play and just had to go out there and make a play.”
Anusiem attempted to break up the pass at the last moment but was unable to prevent McMillan from making the catch.
The connection between Young and McMillan has developed quickly despite their short time playing together.
“I don’t know,” laughed McMillan, “Maybe it’s a Cali thing.”
Added Young, “I have a ton of trust, a ton of confidence in him. He did a great job of holding his line, giving me a spot to throw the ball. It’s a great catch. It’s a lot harder of a catch than I’m sure it looks, so he did a great job on that.”
Later in the same drive, McMillan caught another pass for 13 yards on an inside route that moved Carolina into scoring position.
On second-and-goal from five yards out, Young again looked for McMillan in the end zone but they were unable to connect as intended.
“That ball came out good, good anticipation. I got to have those at the end of the day, so, you know, we just come back tomorrow, correct it, we’ll go from there,” explained McMillan. “I just got to get my head around quicker. That was a perfect ball from Bryce. I’ll finish those next time.”
Head coach Dave Canales commented on what happened during that red zone attempt: “(The) ball that got on him pretty quickly down there, could have been the first touchdown, he got hung up a little, and that’s red zone football in the NFL, you know, it happens quickly. The windows close and the quarterbacks are going to put their back foot in the ground. Bryce delivered a great throw right there and I think that’s one that (TMac will) be able to grow from.”
Canales also spoke about what McMillan brings to Carolina’s offense: “That’s what we’re counting on,” said Canales. “That’s why he’s here; stretch the field, play big, and that was, you know, a sign of good things.”
