Bryce Young has opened the 2026 NFL season playing some of the best football of his career. Teammate Tetairoa McMillan has noticed a major difference under center. Young has thrown three touchdown passes in each of Carolina’s first two games. That matches Jake Delhomme’s franchise record for consecutive three-touchdown performances while leading the Panthers to a dominant 34-3 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. McMillan, meanwhile, delivered 101 receiving yards in Atlanta. He offered insight into what has changed with his quarterback heading into Week 3.
#Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan tells me QB Bryce Young has a different level of confidence this year and is trusting his weapons more than ever, which is why he has put up MVP numbers to start the season. https://t.co/99mh2xU0aM pic.twitter.com/PqOoP9jidl
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 22, 2026
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, McMillan pointed to Young’s confidence and growing trust in his weapons as the driving force behind his early-season surge. The receiver said Young has “a different level of confidence this year and is trusting his weapons more than ever.”
That belief has allowed Carolina’s offense to become more aggressive. Young has been increasingly willing to attack tighter windows. He adeptly has distributed the ball across McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Darren Waller.
McMillan has quickly established himself as one of Carolina’s most important offensive pieces since being selected eighth overall in 2025. He started all 17 games during his first season. McMillan recorded 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns while earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He also made the PFWA All-Rookie Team and helped Carolina win the NFC South. Through two games in 2026, he has added 10 catches for 176 yards, including his 101-yard explosion against Atlanta. With Carolina preparing for the Cleveland Browns, McMillan’s chemistry with Young could remain central to the Panthers’ ambitions.