Panthers have their first halftime lead of the season. What’s gone right vs. Chargers?
For the first time this season, the Carolina Panthers have the lead at halftime, up 18-7 over the Chargers.
But will it stand?
The Panthers will have to take better advantage of great field position to do so.
Here are two things that have gone right for the Panthers, and two things that have gone wrong:
What has gone right for the Panthers?
Forced turnovers: The Panthers forced three turnovers in the first half. That is more than the Panthers forced in their first two games combined. The turnovers have given the Panthers great field position to score.
Brian Burns was responsible for the first turnover, after he stripped-sacked Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert. Linebacker Shaq Thompson was responsible for the second one, forcing running back Joshua Kelley to fumble. He also recovered it.
The third turnover was an interception by Donte Jackson at the end of the first half.
This is the best the defense has played this season.
Pressure on the quarterback: The Panthers came up with their first sack of the season in the first quarter via defensive end Marquis Haynes, who dropped Herbert for an 11-yard loss. Burns strip-sacked Herbert later that quarter for their second sack of the day and first turnover.
Herbert has been inaccurate on some of his throws. The Chargers have tried to get the ball out of his hands a little quicker since then.
The Panthers were the only team in the NFL that did not have a sack through it’s first two games.
What has gone wrong for the Panthers?
Missed tackles: The Panthers have missed a lot of tackles in the first half. The Chargers’ lone rushing touchdown came because Thompson and safety Tre Boston missed tackles. Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had no trouble scoring.
Jackson has also missed a few tackles trying to force turnovers. That has led to big gains for the Chargers.
Struggles in red zone: The Panthers have had drives stall at the 6-, 12-, 13-yard lines. In all three of those drives, kicker Joey Slye made a field goal.
Some of that was because of Teddy Bridgewater’s inaccuracy early in the game. While he has completed 75% of his passes in the first half, he missed a few easy throws that could have extended drives.
This story was originally published September 27, 2020 at 5:36 PM with the headline "Panthers have their first halftime lead of the season. What’s gone right vs. Chargers?."
