Cardinals preparing to face off against former Arizona standout McMillan in Week 2

Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

GLENDALE – It’ll be a quick reunion for Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, as he returns to the state where he played college ball against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. McMillan was an All-American receiver at the University of Arizona, and as a Wildcat, combined for 2,721 receiving yards and eight touchdown in his final two collegiate years.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

In his NFL debut, the former eighth overall pick had nine targets for five catches and 68 receiving yards, with four of the receptions resulting in a first down. McMillan earned teh highest PFF grade of any offensive player for the Panthers, leaving Sunday’s game with a 78.9 grade.

Cardinals safety Budda Baker on McMillian’s skillset:

“I feel like the whole week leading up to the game the coaches did a good job of just explaining the coverages, the different coverages they run, and it’s everything that we expected,” McMillan said following his rookie debut. “I’m confident in my preparation that I’ve had these these last few months, and you know the DB corps on our team has been pushing me to make sure that I’m ready for anything I get thrown my way. I feel like that game was a lot easier than I expected.”

The rookie wide receiver is already finding confidence after his debut, which will make him a nightmare cover for the Cardinals defensive backs. Cornerback Max Melton had the assignment of covering New Orleans Saints WR1 in Chris Olave and held him to seven catches for 54 receiving yards. A notable effort from Melton, but McMillan will be a much different cover compared to Olave.

McMillan is four inches taller and weighs 30 pounds more than Olave. Arizona got most of its success on Olave by being physical at the line and having Melton be the aggressor. However, McMillan’s frame and size might force the Cardinals to switch to a more zone-focused coverage for the rookie.

The reason for more zone coverage is because cornerback Garrett Williams, who was the PFF’s highest-graded zone-coverage defensive back in the NFL. His grade was north of 90.0, which is an absurd grade. Williams had a quiet day in Week 1 vs. New Orleans but should be able to make a much more significant impact against a receiver like McMillan.

Cardinals injury report ahead of Week 2 contain TE Tip Reiman, Cody Simon and more

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*

Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports