Panthers fall 26-3 to Chargers

CHARLOTTE — The problems might not have been as dramatic as the week before, but the results were the same.

The Panthers lost 26-3 at home to the Chargers to fall to 0-2.

While last week’s game at New Orleans was over quickly, this one was more gradual.

The Panthers held up acceptably against the Chargers’ run game early, and created some turnovers on defense.

But like last week, they failed to generate much in the way of offense.

The team gained just 159 total yards, and were 1-of-12 on third-down conversions.

Quarterback Bryce Young was held in check again, as the second-year quarterback couldn’t get anything going early. The game plan was a careful one, with most of his early passes of the safe and short variety. His one shot downfield in the first half was picked off across the middle.

He was 8-of-10 for 22 yards passing in the first half with the interception, for a passer rating of 39.6 in the first 30 minutes.

He finished the game 18-of-26 for 84 yards and the pick, for a 57.2 passer rating.

While that was happening, the Chargers continued to pile on in a patient and methodical way. Similarly to their 176-yard rushing debut last week being built on a few explosive runs, the Chargers were willing to grind away at the Panthers.

They finished the game with 219 on the ground.

Running back JK Dobbins had 17 carries for 131 yards, including a 43-yard touchdown run, while Gus Edwards added 18 carries for 59 yards.

That speaks to their style, but also to a defense that was forced to deal with the loss of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown to a season-ending knee injury last week.