All Panthers

The breakout star of Panthers-Dolphins thriller was not even on the field

Eric Collins took a break from his duties calling games for the Charlotte Hornets to bring his brand to his first NFL game, and a star was born.

Tim Weaver

Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton (11) reacts in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Nic Scourton (11) reacts in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
In this story:

While it was far from the cleanest win in franchise history, the Carolina Panthers got just enough to take down the Miami Dolphins in a comeback thriller at Bank of America Stadium, 27-24. This has the potential to be a season-changing victory, thanks in no small part to breakout performances from several young contributors.

Rookie receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr. both had clutch catches, Rico Dowdle enjoyed a massive breakout game for the Panthers and Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen were both sharp, as well.

All that being said, the real breakout star of the game was in the booth, not on the field. That's where Charlotte Hornets play-by-play man Eric Collins made his debut calling an NFL game - and he was an instant hit with the audience.

This is an underrated part of the experience in watching a game at home. If you don't think the commentators have an impact, just try really paying attention to Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit slog through a Thursday night AFC South game and then come back and re-evaluate that opinion.

Collins was not only knowledgeable, but he was actually excited to be doing what he was doing - an all too rare combination in a landscape full of personalities that know too much and care too little.

Clearly the Hornets - who haven't played on national TV since 1993 - have a hidden gem here. Hopefully they're willing to share him with the NFL more in the future, because we need all the Eric Collins we can possibly get.

  - Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI -

Studs & duds from Panthers’ thrilling comeback win over the Dolphins

NFL fines struggling Panthers safety Nick Scott for an obvious penalty

Dave Canales shares positive update on underrated weapon Jalen Coker

Turnovers have insiders asking if Bryce Young should get benched again

Published
Tim Weaver
TIM WEAVER

Tim Weaver has been writing about the NFL since the 2013 season for multiple teams and outlets, including USA Today and The Sporting News. He currently covers the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers for On SI.