Arizona’s defense set the tone early, stifling Carolina and building a 27-3 lead before the Panthers staged a late rally. A late onside try, a clutch Campbell sack, and a stout run defense helped seal a 27-22 win. Special teams mattered, with Ryland’s steady kicking and Dortch’s punt return setting up scoring opportunities. Head coach Jonathan Gannon owned the need to close games better, while the offense still must finish drives more consistently to sustain victories.

Two weeks in, the NFL faces a QB questions sprint: the Browns sit under the microscope as they evaluate Flacco, Gabriel and Sanders, while 11 other teams—Saints, Jets, Dolphins, Giants, Panthers, Bears, Vikings, Jaguars, Seahawks, Steelers, Bengals, Broncos, and Colts—are all weighing future pivots or draft plans. The piece lays out early-season QB vibes across clubs, highlighting standout performers, lingering injuries, and the looming 2026 draft haul that could reshape rosters across the league.

Xavier Legette has absorbed targets but produced almost nothing through two games, posting four receptions on 19 targets and a historic Week 2 line of -2 yards on eight looks. Panthers coach Dave Canales has tried jet sweeps and screens to spark him as Thielen was moved on, and Mingo/McMillan/Renfrow loom. With Jalen Coker returning, Legette’s role looks shaky, making him a risky hold in fantasy.

Tetairoa McMillan is carrying Carolina’s rookie hopes through an 0-2 start, bursting onto the scene as the Panthers’ most reliable playmaker and setting franchise rookie records for receiving yards and catches. Bryce Young struggles behind a leaky defense, while Princely Umanmielen provides a spark on the edge. McMillan’s rapid ascent hints at a potential Rookie of the Year push and a true WR1 for Carolina, reshaping fantasy value in a flawed offense.