CAROLINA PANTHERS


Xavier Legette has struggled in his first two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, with last week’s one catch for minus-2 years output against Arizona.


Ja’Tavion Sanders tried to pull in a low Bryce Young pass over the middle 67 seconds before halftime in the Carolina Panthers 27-22 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Officials ruled a catch for a first down. 

But did Sanders trap the ball? As instant replay officials debated, Young directed his teammates to line up quickly, while wide receiver Xavier Legette casually strolled to the line of scrimmage. 
By the time Legette was in position, officials overturned the spot, forcing the Panthers to punt. The Cardinals took advantage by scoring a touchdown with four seconds remaining for a 20-3 lead. 

The Panthers’ fourth-quarter rally could not overcome their early mistakes. They fell to 0-2 for the fourth consecutive season. 
Legette absorbed instant social media heat.

A fan favorite despite producing pedestrian first-year statistics, Legette caught one pass for minus-2 yards against the Cardinals, making him the second player in NFL history to amass negative yardage on at least eight passing targets. In two games, Legette has four catches for 8 yards. He also has one rushing attempt for 0 yards. 

Although the leisurely walk to the line of scrimmage may not have been a good look, Legette retained the confidence of coach Dave Canales and most of his teammates.

Legette needs to shake slow start 

Despite suffering a hamstring injury Wednesday, Legette is expected to dress against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. As rookie Tetairoa McMillan continues to emerge as a potential WR1, Canales confirmed Legette likely will remain WR2. 

“I believe in Xavier,” Canales said. “This is a guy that I truly believe (in) because of the way he’s wired, the way that he works at it, the way that he continues to train. He had a great week of practice. He had some opportunities on the field where the ball didn’t go his way.  

“I tried to get him a few early touches. They didn’t amount to much. But as the game kinda went on, (he had) a few of the other targets. He didn’t make them. But I think it’s a matter of just finding opportunities. 
“I believe in him, I believe that he’s approached this the right way and just continues to work. I’m gonna continue to encourage him and be in his corner and push him to keep striving for that and keep working on his chemistry with Bryce.” 

So far, the connection is sparkless. 

Pro Football Focus tagged Legette with the offense’s lowest Week 2 grade (47.9). In Week 1, he drew a 53.9 grade, the fifth lowest on offense. Legette did not make himself available to media Monday and Wednesday. 

David Moore offered some veteran advice, telling Legette to “keep his head up, keep going. 

“If you’re a competitor, you’re going to be hard on yourself at times.” Moore said. “I think that’s the nature of the game, being a competitor, always expecting the best of yourself, keeping yourself to a higher standard.” 


Young understands. The 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick was benched after Week 2 last season but rebounded with a strong second half. 

“I have all the confidence in the world in him,” Young said Wednesday. “He’s going to be great for us. He’s a huge part of this offense. It’s not any sort of wavering, any sort of … there’s nothing like that. I’m excited for this week. I’m excited for the weeks following for him.”

Rookie McMillan making good on draft status 

On the flip side, McMillan became the first Panthers rookie to compile 100 yards receiving in a game since Christian McCaffrey in 2017. Following April’s draft, some league insiders questioned the defense-needy Panthers’ decision to draft McMillan eighth overall, bypassing top prospects such as edge Jalon Walker and defensive lineman Mykel Williams.  

By taking receivers in the first round of the past two drafts, GM Dan Morgan envisioned two lengthy, athletic wideouts who could help stretch the field and grow with Young. Legette, who dropped potential game-winning passes against Kansas City and Philadelphia last season, has yet to live up to expectations. 

“I’m not worried about him at all,” McMillan said. “The main thing for me, and what I see in him, is his confidence. He’s a confident dude, and he’s staying confident regardless of the outcome, regardless of whatever’s going on.”  

A career receivers coach, Canales indicated he is taking Legette’s early season struggles personally. As Carolina’s primary play caller, Canales did not relinquish his responsibility of “putting him in positions to do the things that he’s shown us he can do well in the past.” 

“It’s not all on X,” Canales said. “This is me, too, so I take it personally as well.” 

The Panthers listed Legette as limited during Thursday’s practice. On Sunday, Moore will look for Legette to begin resembling the receiver who scored four touchdowns in his opening nine NFL appearances in 2024, not the ineffective model over the past two weeks.  

“I think if the ball finds him, he’ll make the play and all of this will be done with,” Moore said. “It’s only two games in. It’s a long season. Let’s wait for him to get back into his groove.”
 

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