4 big Panthers storylines to watch at the Chargers in Week 3

Can the Carolina Panthers halt Justin Herbert’s momentum?

One problem that the Carolina Panthers probably didn’t think they were going to see at this stage of the season was seeing Justin Herbert under center. The rookie was thrust into a starting role at a moment’s notice due to Tyrod Taylor’s punctured lung and it is safe to say he more than held his own against arguably the best team in the NFL.

Herbert was a superstar in the making during his first three years at Oregon. He was even considered as a possible No. 1 overall pick once upon a time despite dropping off somewhat after deciding to see out his senior year rather than take his chances at the next level.

This put some doubts into the minds of NFL scouts, but the Chargers didn’t hesitate to take Herbert at No. 6 overall with Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa off the board. He will get the start against the Panthers and there might be even more to come from the player with a full week to prepare.

Head coach Matt Rhule will know all about Herbert’s game-changing ability after coming from the college system himself this offseason. He recently stated that the Panthers did some serious scouting on the quarterback prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, so they should be well versed in how best to counteract his threat throwing the ball or on the move.