Well, that was an event somewhat resembling a football game.
First Quarter
The Panthers kicked off this week just like last week, kicking off and promptly allowing a touchdown, as Chargers WR Quentin Johnston beat Jaycee Horn deep for a 29 yard TD. The Panthers went 3 and out on their first drive, which was an improvement on last week. Jaycee Horn got a measure of revenge, with a really nice interception on the Chargers next drive. The teams traded punts back and forth for the remainder of the quarter as the Chargers led 6-0.
Second Quarter
The Chargers put together an 11 play, 65 yard drive that ended with a second Quentin Johnston touchdown catch once they got the ball back to start the quarter. On the Panthers ensuing drive, desperately needing some sort of momentum to get back into the game, Bryce Young threw an anticipation pass to Diontae Johnson. The problem was, the pass wasn’t on target and it went into double coverage, resulting in a very familiar looking interception. The Chargers scored again on a 43 yard rush by JK Dobbins, bringing the game to 20-0. The Panthers ended the quarter on a whimper, as they punted after getting their first 1st down of the game.
Third Quarter
The Panthers opened the 2nd half with signs of life, starting with a 12 yard reception by Tommy Tremble and followed by a 23 yard rush by Chuba Hubbard. The drive stalled but allowed the Panthers to kick a field goal. That was their only and last gasp of offense, and the Chargers quickly matched the field goal on their next drive. The Panthers had to punt after a missed throw by Bryce Young to a wide open Diontae Johnson and a seemingly avoidable sack on 3rd and 7, taking them out of any real chance to go for it on 4th down. The defense came up with another rare turnover, as pressure by DJ Johnson and Jayden Peevy caused a sack fumble. Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t capitalize.
Fourth Quarter
The Chargers ended up with another field goal drive, bringing their lead to 26-3. The Panthers responded with a 12 play, 40 yard drive that ended with a 4th and 18 attempt to convert, where Adam Thielen caught a pass for 10 yards from Bryce Young. The Chargers punted on the next drive, but by then none of this really mattered. The Panthers attempted a drive that lasted 4 plays, ending with an incomplete pass to Chuba Hubbard on 4th down. Game over.
Final Thoughts
The Panthers will need to think long and hard about their future on offense. Because whatever this has been the last two weeks, it isn’t NFL football. We may want to look forward to the Draft, and enjoy our fantasy football teams, for the next few months.
We’ll still be here to cover Panthers football, because that’s our team. Keep Pounding, and do your best to enjoy the ride to the offseason.
