NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth did not hold back his criticism of the Detroit Lions' final offensive drive during their "Sunday Night Football" matchup against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 4, 2026. With the Lions trailing 32-26 and just over two minutes remaining in the game, the team failed to convert on a fourth-down play, leading Collinsworth to label the possession a "disaster."
On the crucial fourth-down attempt, quarterback Jared Goff's pass to Isaac TeSlaa fell short of the needed 13 yards, resulting in a turnover on downs. Collinsworth expressed his disbelief at the Lions' inability to gain momentum, suggesting they missed opportunities for quick throws that could have utilized their athletes.
"I would have bet any amount of money that you wanted to bet that they were going to get at least three or four first downs as easy as they could make them," Collinsworth stated. "You just had to be willing to take them. The quick throws. Let your great athletes catch it and run with it and make a play. That was a disaster. That possession by the Detroit Lions was a disaster."
The game was tied at halftime, but the Lions struggled to keep pace with the Panthers' offense, particularly their connection between quarterback Bryce Young and receiver Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan had a notable performance, accumulating 192 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Following a touchdown by Lions tight end Sam LaPorta with 3:38 left in the game, which cut the Panthers' lead, McMillan made a critical sideline reception to secure a first down and help the Panthers run down the clock. The subsequent drive ended in a sack, forcing the Panthers to punt. However, the Lions were unable to capitalize, starting from their own 13-yard line with 2:12 on the clock and failing to achieve a first down.
Goff concluded the game with 412 passing yards and one touchdown. The loss brought the Lions' record to 2-2.
"We got ourselves in a hole there, which is frustrating," Lions coach Dan Campbell said after the game. "At the end of the day, we had our opportunities. Our defense came up with a stop and we had the ball with about with two minutes left to go win the game. And we just couldn’t get it done."
The Lions are scheduled to play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, while the Panthers will have a bye week before facing the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 18.