Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
· National Football LeagueJustin Herbert throws 2 TDs to Quentin Johnston; Chargers hammer Panthers 26-3 to remain unbeaten
The Chargers (2-0) methodically wore down the Panthers, piling up 219 yards on the ground while holding Carolina to just 159 total yards and seven first downs.
Second-year quarterback Bryce Young had another miserable game, finishing 18 of 26 passing for 84 yards with one interception and was booed repeatedly by the home crowd while falling to 2-16 as a starter.
The Panthers have been outscored 73-13 this season.
The Panthers, who fell behind 30-0 in the second quarter last week against New Orleans, trailed 20-0 at halftime after being outgained 204-54 before the break. The crowd let out a sarcastic cheer when Chuba Hubbard ran for the Panthers' initial first down more than 25 minutes into the game.
By that time the Chargers were well in command.
Los Angeles took a 6-0 lead on the game's opening possession when Herbert connected on a perfectly placed 29-yard touchdown pass to Johnston, who beat one-on-one coverage by Jaycee Horn. Cameron Dicker missed the extra point, snapping a streak of 60 straight made kicks to begin his career.
Horn got even on the next series when he intercepted Herbert at the Chargers 41, but Young rolled out to the left and inexplicably took a sack on third down to take the Panthers out of field-goal range.
It was all downhill from there for Carolina (0-2).
Herbert connected again with Johnston for a 5-yard TD pass on a blown coverage by Carolina's defense.
Dobbins then made it 20-0 when he cut outside, broke a tackle by Xavier Woods, tiptoed down the left sideline and somersaulted into the end zone for his second TD of the season.
He became the first NFL player since Jamal Lewis in 2003 with three runs of at least 43 yards the first two weeks of the season. Lewis had all three of his in his 295-yard rushing game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
Herbert finished 14 of 20 for 130 yards and Johnson had five catches for 51 yards.
At times, it appeared the Panthers were playing not to let the score get more out of hand, twice running the football in the final minutes of the third quarter while down by 20 — much to the chagrin of the home crowed, the majority of which left before the fourth quarter.
Carolina didn't throw the ball down the field.
Panthers: At Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.
How can I watch Chargers vs. Panthers?
- TV Channel: Chargers at Panthers 2021-22 NFL, week 2 is broadcasted nationally on CBS and NFL Sunday Ticket - Paramount+ NFL on CBS 2021 - Try it FREE!.
- Online streaming: Sign up for Fubo.
In Canada, viewers can watch Chargers vs. Panthers on DAZN.
Scoring Summary
TD | 1st Period 9:20 | Quentin Johnston 29 Yd pass from Justin Herbert (Cameron Dicker PAT failed) | |
TD | 2nd Period 4:16 | Quentin Johnston 5 Yd pass from Justin Herbert (Cameron Dicker Kick) | |
TD | 2nd Period 2:01 | J.K. Dobbins 43 Yd Run (Cameron Dicker Kick) | |
FG | 3rd Period 12:18 | Eddy Pineiro 38 Yd Field Goal | |
FG | 3rd Period 9:03 | Cameron Dicker 46 Yd Field Goal | |
FG | 4th Period 11:02 | Cameron Dicker 42 Yd Field Goal |
Statistics
LAC | CAR | |
---|---|---|
21 | 1st Downs | 7 |
8 | Passing 1st downs | 3 |
10 | Rushing 1st downs | 4 |
3 | 1st downs from penalties | 0 |
9-16 | 3rd down efficiency | 1-12 |
0-0 | 4th down efficiency | 1-3 |
65 | Total Plays | 46 |
349 | Total Yards | 159 |
5.4 | Yards per Play | 3.5 |
12 | Total Drives | 11 |
130 | Passing | 69 |
14/20 | Comp/Att | 18/26 |
6.2 | Yards per pass | 2.5 |
1 | Interceptions thrown | 1 |
1-0 | Sacks-Yards Lost | 2-15 |
219 | Rushing | 90 |
44 | Rushing Attempts | 18 |
5.0 | Yards per rush | 5.0 |
1-2 | Red Zone (Made-Att) | 0-0 |
3-15 | Penalties | 9-90 |
2 | Turnovers | 1 |
1 | Fumbles lost | 0 |
1 | Interceptions thrown | 1 |
0 | Defensive / Special Teams TDs | 0 |
36:18 | Possession | 23:42 |
Game Information
Location: Charlotte, NC
Attendance: 70,145 · Capacity:
2024 AFC West Standings
TEAM | W | L | PCT | T | PF | PA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kansas City | 7 | 0 | 1.000 | 0 | 173 | 123 |
Denver | 5 | 3 | .625 | 0 | 173 | 120 |
Los Angeles | 4 | 3 | .571 | 0 | 132 | 91 |
Las Vegas | 2 | 6 | .250 | 0 | 144 | 210 |
2024 NFC South Standings
TEAM | W | L | PCT | T | PF | PA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta | 5 | 3 | .625 | 0 | 194 | 195 |
Tampa Bay | 4 | 4 | .500 | 0 | 235 | 213 |
New Orleans | 2 | 6 | .250 | 0 | 185 | 206 |
Carolina | 1 | 7 | .125 | 0 | 124 | 271 |
NFL News
Ryan Fitzpatrick shares then-and-now of son's viral math moment
Remember Ryan Fitzpatrick's math genius son? He's 17 now.
Malachi Corley's fumble costs Jets touchdown vs. Texans
Corley dropped the ball before crossing the goal line, costing the scuffling Jets a touchdown in what was a scoreless game.
Rams' Nacua exits practice with knee injury, but not believed to be serious
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua left practice because of a knee injury, but sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter it was not believed to be serious.
Seahawks' Geno Smith wants better 'poker face' after losing cool
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith said he wants to improve his body language and keep his cool after drawing a taunting flag and showing frustration on the sideline in last week's loss to the Bills.
2025 NFL draft position rankings: Kiper, Miller, Reid, Yates
Who are the best players at every position? Our four analysts give their top-fives, plus their combined overall top-10 ranking for the 2025 class.