Here are some instant takeaways from the Carolina Panthers’ stunning 21-16 win at the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 of the 2020 season.
It was a much-improved performance by the Carolina Panthers that eventually ended with a 21-16 triumph at the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 of the 2020 season.
The game itself was one that the Carolina Panthers deserved to win. They controlled proceedings throughout the first half and managed to hold on in the clutch thanks in no small part to an outstanding play from long snapper JJ Jansen that gave the Chargers too much to do on their final possession.
New head coach Matt Rhule could not hide his delight after picking up his first NFL win. Things got a little nervy at the end and things might have been different had a lateral not been dropped by Austin Ekeler on the final play. But the Panthers will take anything in their current predicament.
The ten-game losing streak is now off their banks, and that is something we can all be thankful for. This will be a huge morale boost for a young roster that continues to improve steadily with each passing game and it was undoubtedly their best all-round display so far.
With so many difficult games upcoming for this group, it was vital they went to SoFi Stadium and got the victory. Each player who stepped on the field deserves a tremendous amount of credit for the way they dug it, remained resolute, and made things count when it mattered most.
Here are four instant takeaways from the Panthers’ first NFL success since November last year.
The Carolina Panthers were dominant in the first half
If the Carolina Panthers were looking to avoid the slow start that cost them in Week 2, then this was an objective they achieved in no uncertain terms.
The Panthers were tremendous in the first two quarters, playing with a sense of urgency that was missing in large parts during their opening two games. They controlled the tempo of the game on offense and boosted this with three turnovers that put them in the ascendancy.
If there was one criticism you could have of Carolina’s display in the first half, is that they weren’t up by more than 18-7. They settled for three field goals after failing to convert in the red zone and even one more touchdown would have put the game out of sight.
Phil Snow deserves credit for not getting too cute with his scheme from the outset as he did at the Buccaneers. This allowed the Panthers to get their first two sacks of the season, which also took some of the pressure off their secondary.
A big interception from Donte Jackson late in the second quarter led to another three crucial points. The former LSU standout is making up for lost time after going out early in Week 1 and this should stand a suspect unit in extremely good stead going forward.
Mike Davis looks more than capable
There was some real uncertainty as to how the Carolina Panthers would fare without their star running back Christian McCaffrey. The likes of Reggie Bonnafon and Curtis Samuel got some touches. But the performance of Mike Davis was extremely encouraging.
The veteran was one of the real success stories from Carolina’s training camp. Davis went from an afterthought to No. 2 on the depth chart in a few short weeks and he wasn’t overawed by coming in and filling McCaffrey’s shoes.
Davis provided the Panthers with a nice explosiveness during running situations. He was also a comfort blanket for Teddy Bridgewater that played a leading role in his first half touchdown on what was the perfect screen called by offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
The back ended the game with 91 all-purpose yards and a touchdown from 21 touches, which represented outstanding production from a player who some thought might not even be on the 53-man roster by the time competitive action rolled around.
There is going to be a role for Davis once McCaffrey comes back, of that there is little doubt. If this injury has taught us anything it’s that the All-Pro needs to be used a little less. But he needs to build on this positive display in his absence over the next month or so.
Brian Burns was sensational
The Carolina Panthers’ improvement on defense was thanks in no small part to the exceptional performance of Brian Burns. The defensive end was nothing short of sensational and was a relentless force on the line of scrimmage.
Phil Snow’s experiment using Burns as an outside linebacker or even dropping him into coverage appears over. And we can can all be thankful for that.
Burns got back to doing what he does best. That is getting after the quarterback and making game-changing plays that dramatically altered the course of the contest.
His forced fumbled in the first half was his first sack of the season. Judging by Burns’ overall contribution in this one, there could be plenty more on the way.
In fairness to the former first-round pick, he has been one of the bright sparks on defense during the season. Burns has been much better stopping the run and got pressure on occasions. But it would be a huge surprise if there wasn’t more to come from the player now the penny has finally dropped with his defensive coordinator.
The Chargers had no answer for Burns, who finished the game with two tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. He is taking the responsibility of being the Panthers’ No. 1 pass-rushing option seriously and his performance at SoFi Stadium reflected this.
Joey Slye was money
We listed Joey Slye as one of our most important Carolina Panthers players at the Chargers prior to the clash, and this proved to be the case,
There was plenty of pressure put on the kicker following some failings in the red zone during the contest. But Slye held his nerve to play a leading role for his side.
He was ultra-consistent with five field goals, one coming at a crucial time in the fourth quarter that extended their lead back to 11. Slye did have an extra point blocked in the first half, but you could hardly put that on him.
Slye has begun the campaign in exceptional form. The Panthers coaching staff installed a tremendous amount of confidence in the player by parting ways with veteran Graham Gano this offseason and even though it’s only been three games, it already looks like it was the right call.
It ended up being a game of fine margins that eventual went in the Panthers’ favour. They should give Slye a huge pat on the back for his kicking prowess and he even managed to record his first career tackle with a huge hit to further enhance his overall influence on proceedings.
This was a vintage display from Slye and one he can look back on with a substantial sense of pride.