North Charlotte Today

CHARLOTTE — The Panthers return to Charlotte in Week 2, ready to face the Los Angeles Chargers for the home opener. The Chargers (1-0) are coming off a 22-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. It's the first win of the Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles.

The Panthers are 6-1 all-time against the Chargers. Carolina is 2-1 at home and 4-0 on the road. Before the Chargers arrive this week, get to know the Justin Herbert-led crew.

A formidable pass rush

The Chargers' pass rush is composed of two veterans with experience and pedigree that make them a focal point for every opponent's game plan. Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack have combined for 171 career sacks. They each added to their totals on Sunday, with Bosa posting one sack for a six-yard loss and Mack adding 1.5 sacks for ten yards lost.

The duo sets an edge that proves formidable and requires significant attention. This frees up others, like defensive end Morgan Fox, who contributed half a sack against the Raiders.

"Whether it's double-teams, extra protection or big personnel, the Panthers will have to devote a lot towards Bosa and Mack on Sunday," said an analyst, emphasizing the need to protect Bryce Young.

Herbert's heroics?

In his four years in the league, quarterback Justin Herbert has often played hero ball for the Chargers. In 2020, he set league records with most pass completions and passing touchdowns as a rookie. However, efforts have been made to ease his burden. After trading Keenan Allen this spring, the Chargers drafted Ladd McConkey in the first round. The rookie and Herbert showed they have already established a connection with five receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.

Additionally, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins provided support in the run game, with Dobbins accumulating 135 yards and a touchdown on ten rushes against the Raiders.

"And on days Herbert can't be the hero," noted another analyst, "he can lean on his defense." When that unit holds opponents to 20 or fewer points, Herbert is undefeated at 21-0 as a starting quarterback when playing an entire game.

Offensive line stepping up protection

Significant investment has been made in protecting Herbert through bolstering their offensive line. Although pressured by five quarterback hurries and one sack from Raiders defenders last week, only one hurry occurred in the second half due to improved protection efforts by his offensive line.

A major contributor was Joe Alt who did not allow any pressure on Herbert during eleven pass-block snaps against Maxx Crosby according to Next Gen Stats.

Alt was drafted fifth overall this year becoming part of an ongoing effort by Chargers management focusing on offensive line talent acquisition; he joins Rashawn Slater (left tackle) & Zion Johnson (left guard), both former first-round picks within recent years.

At center stands former Panther Bradley Bozeman whose familiarity with Carolina’s defensive schemes may prompt some early disguised coverages from Ejiro Evero aimed at causing confusion especially given Derrick Brown’s absence due injury (meniscus).