The Carolina Panthers like to make things difficult for themselves. Nobody makes football look harder, and this eventually became their undoing once again during a dramatic defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.
It initially appeared that the contest would be a blowout for a long time. The Cardinals were in complete control, up 17 at the half and cruising to their second triumph in as many games to start the campaign.
Then, everything changed.
The Panthers showed some heart. They finally saw things go their way. And unbelievably, head coach Dave Canales' squad had the chance to win the game after an onside kick fell in their favor.
Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. Sloppy errors earlier in the contest were their demise. There were positives to take from the game, but the reality is Carolina now sits at 0-2 and is facing a long road ahead to get things trending in the right direction.
A big effort is needed this week before their long-awaited home opener against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Before then, here are four winners and three losers from Carolina's dramatic loss in the desert.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' dramatic defeat at the Cardinals
Winner No. 1
Tetairoa McMillan - Carolina Panthers WR
It seems like the Carolina Panthers might have a superstar on their hands with Tetairoa McMillan. The wide receiver has hit the ground running to begin his NFL career, and he is no stranger to shining in Arizona after taking college football by storm with the Wildcats.
With his family in attendance, McMillan put on a show. He was the only wideout capable of creating anything early on. This trend continued throughout the game, bringing in six receptions from 10 targets for 100 receiving yards.
Achieving his first 100-yard receiving game in only his second contest represents a remarkable achievement. There were a couple of misses, but McMillan's connection with quarterback Bryce Young represents a solid foundation from which to build. Once others meet their end of the bargain, this offense should continue to improve moving forward.
General manager Dan Morgan ignored key defensive needs to select McMillan at No. 8 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is already starting to repay this faith, and the sky's the limit if the dynamic pass-catcher keeps on this upward trajectory.
It's been a long time since the Panthers had a weapon like this at their disposal. Fans are already wondering if McMillan can become Carolina's best wideout since Steve Smith Sr., which is a testament to his exceptional early impact.
Loser No. 1
Austin Corbett - Carolina Panthers C
One thing that blighted the Carolina Panthers' opening weekend defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars was offensive execution. In particular, the chemistry issues between quarterback Bryce Young and veteran center Austin Corbett.
There was something amiss. This trend continued early in Week 2. Things improved from a communication standpoint as the contest went on, but the number of high snaps was alarming. The player's pass protection was adequate, but there remains concern around his inability to set a core base to hold his ground on running plays.
If that wasn't enough, another frustrating injury befell Corbett late in the game. The former Nevada standout went off and didn't return, leaving understudy Cade Mays to fill the void. Considering how many health problems the player has had over the last few years, this is the last thing anyone associated with the Panthers needed.
Corbett will be hoping it's nothing too serious. But regardless of whether he is available for Week 3 or not, Mays is pushing hard for starting involvement.
Winner No. 2
Carolina Panthers special teams
The Panthers don't get back into this game without their special-teams unit. This group was outstanding throughout the contest, displaying aggression and explosiveness to set the tone and lay the table for other phases to raise their performance levels.
Carolina's special-teams coverage was first-class. They left heavy hits aplenty on the Arizona Cardinals' kick returners, which provided a spark at the best possible time.
Rookie Trevor Etienne flashed elusiveness and speed in the return game to give the offense some decent field position. Undrafted rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald continues to grow into a consistent performer in key moments.
It went relatively unnoticed, but it was extremely important to the team's comeback. Punter Sam Martin put the exclamation point on the special-teams showcase with an onside kick that was remarkably recovered by the Panthers.
Sadly, the Panthers could get into the end zone again despite the Cardinals doing everything possible to throw away the game. But that does not detract from how impressive the special teams were.
Loser No. 2
Xavier Legette - Carolina Panthers WR
The Panthers have a Xavier Legette problem.
As Tetairoa McMillan caught the eye, and the Panthers managed to gain 35 receptions for 328 passing yards after a rousing fightback, Legette once again struggled. Carolina tried valiantly to give him the looks needed to gain momentum, but the No. 32 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft fluffed his lines.
Legette gained no positive ground on a jet sweep. He was targeted eight times, bringing in just one reception for minus two receiving yards. It was the latest in a long line of subpar performances from the player, who's in danger of dropping into the dreaded draft bust category if the same trend continues.
Some fans aren't giving up. Others have thrown in the towel on Legette. The truth lies somewhere in the middle, but head coach Dave Canales might be forced to take him out of the firing line for some much-needed breathing space if things continue like this for much longer.
Brycen Tremayne made a couple of solid catches. Ja'Tavion Sanders and Hunter Renfrow worked the middle of the field well. Legette needs to raise his game or get left behind.
Winner No. 3
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Things couldn't have started much worse for quarterback Bryce Young versus the Arizona Cardinals. He gave up a fumble on the opening drive. On the second series, he inexplicably threw the football under pressure, which flopped into the grateful hands of Baron Browning.
The reaction on social media saw fans ready to give up on Young. But despite these potentially disastrous setbacks, the former Alabama standout showed the correct resolve — not for the first time in his professional career.
Young looked like a different player in the second half. He was poised, decisive, and made things happen. He looked in complete control pre-snap and raised the urgency of his teammates in the huddle. Everyone started to believe again when all hope seemed lost.
It wasn't enough to get what would have been a remarkable comeback victory, but Young got people back onside. Once he cleans up the sloppy individual mistakes, it's all systems go.
Loser No. 3
Trevin Wallace - Carolina Panthers LB
The Panthers' linebacking corps was under increased scrutiny in Week 2. They were nothing short of lackluster to begin the campaign, so a rousing effort was needed to increase confidence in their outlook amid the ongoing doom and gloom.
Trevin Wallace didn't manage to raise performance levels enough. The second-year pro looks devoid of confidence. He's a liability in coverage, which is surprising when one considers that this was an area of strength during his rookie campaign.
There was a hesitancy to get around the action. Wallace has the physical tools to be successful over time, but the Panthers should consider the possibility of finding another veteran on the open market and switching him back into a rotational role.
Dan Morgan chose Wallace in the third round last year, which was somewhat surprising at the time. He's not going to admit defeat on his selection at this stage. However, adjustments are needed if the Panthers want to get their season back on track.
Winner No. 4
Jaycee Horn - Carolina Panthers CB
A lot of Jaycee Horn's good work doesn't show up on the stat sheet. But once again, the stud cornerback put on a coverage clinic that neutralized his side of the field with minimal fuss.
The former South Carolina standout looked fluid, confident, and aggressive. Horn shut down anyone unfortunate enough to be across from him on the line of scrimmage. The Cardinals had to move Marvin Harrison Jr. elsewhere to get any joy. That is the sort of respect saved for the truly elite corners around the league.
This is exactly what the Panthers had in mind when they gave Horn a lucrative contract extension ahead of time. The defense has problems, but coordinator Ejiro Evero knows what he's getting from the No. 8 pick in 2021.
Horn looks well on course for another Pro Bowl-caliber campaign. If additional growth arrives, his contract will look pretty cheap when it's all said and done.