By a quarter to midnight on Sunday night, the chimes of Sweet Caroline and chants of "MVP! MVP!" rang out at Bank of America Stadium as the Carolina Panthers secured a big win against the Detroit Lions.
It wasn't a complete performance from Carolina, but it was certainly a terrific display from their star quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Despite all of the injuries, the Panthers prevailed against 400-yard passer Jared Goff and the explosive Lions offense.
With that in mind, here are 10 instant reactions from the Panthers' prime-time victory.
10 gut reactions from the Carolina Panthers win over the Detroit Lions
1. The MVP chants in "The Bank" on Sunday night were valid, as Bryce Young put on another show, completing 29 of 41 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns. For all of the offseason talk about Young needing to take the next step, he has certainly done so and then some, playing his best game of the season in front of a national audience. This was "Alabama Bryce," and that type of quarterback can give your team a chance every week.
2. Panthers star wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan was 10 yards shy of breaking Steve Smith Sr.'s single-game franchise receiving record after having the second-best performance by a wideout this weekend. McMillan didn't write back to critics from last week's two-catch, 17-yard game against Cleveland, catching 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. It was an elite performance, one many in the Carolina's won't forget anytime soon.
3. Injuries continued to pile up on Sunday night. Top pass rusher Jaelan Phillips left the game with a hamstring injury and never returned; neither did rookie right tackle Monroe Freeling (knee). Thankfully, the Panthers get a bye week to rest and heal as much as they can ahead of a tough stretch of games.
4. It is easy to imagine what this Panthers offense could be like with a healthy group up front. While Damien Lewis could return against Philadelphia, there is a possibility that veteran right tackle Taylor Moton (blood clots), who is now off blood thinners, could return to the field, which would be a big boost.
5. Because the current talent on the field is not holding up as we'd like to see. Luke Fortner has been the worst center in football for at least two weeks, and the operation looks awry. Head coach Dave Canales and offensive line coach Joe Gilbert must consider starting rookie center Sam Hecht in Week 6.
6. It seems as though Devin Lloyd is important to the Panthers' defense, showcasing why he is arguably one of the best linebackers in football right now, with his ability to get off blocks, funnel to the ball carrier, be effective as a blitzer, and have great awareness in coverage. When he is on the field, Carolina is a better team.
7. The Panthers and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik finally struck a balance with their run and pass game, as Chuba Hubbard had his best game in two years with 20 carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns. Hubbard made a few great plays after contact, but credit should also go to the offensive line for some of the blocking.
8. With Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. out for the foreseeable future, that meant special teams cornerback Akayleb Evans was starting, and it was as bad as you would imagine. According to SumerSports, Evans allowed seven catches for 197 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets. Not exactly a Bené Benwikere event, but close enough, and an outside move is necessary.
9. Staying with the cornerbacks, Will Lee III had a quiet night, which is great for a rookie defender. He's been thrown into the fire, but I appreciate how much he's grown since Week 1's disaster. He was stout in man coverage and may have had his best day in zone. Lee is beginning to come into his own.
10. We may need to keep an eye on kicker Ryan Fitzgerald, who missed two extra points with others looking dicey. Snapping isn't an issue for JJ Jansen, but the second-year placekicker can't have days like that against better opponents on the schedule.
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