Charlotte, NC — The Los Angeles Chargers improved to 2-0 on the season after a wild 57-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Week 2. The game was a shootout from the start, with both offenses putting up big numbers, but it was the Chargers’ opportunistic defense and a near-flawless performance from quarterback Justin Herbert that ultimately decided the outcome.
Herbert Flawless, Leads Explosive Offense
Justin Herbert delivered another masterclass performance, demonstrating why he is considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL today. Herbert completed 14 of 16 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns, posting a perfect QBR and continuing his hot start to the 2024-2025 season. His ability to spread the ball around and take advantage of mismatches downfield kept the Panthers’ defense on its heels all afternoon. “Justin was fantastic out there,” said Chargers head coach Jay Cee. “He was making all the right reads, executing at a high level, and putting our playmakers in positions to succeed. You can’t ask for more from your quarterback.”
Herbert’s three touchdown passes included a 70-yard bomb to DJ Chark Jr, who made his season debut after missing Week 1 due to injury. Chark’s return to the lineup added another explosive element to the Chargers’ already potent offense. Early in the second half, Herbert found Chark streaking down the right sideline for a deep strike that left the Panthers’ secondary in the dust, giving the Chargers a commanding lead and momentum out of the half. “DJ is such a dynamic player,” Herbert said after the game. “That mix of speed and size. We’ve been waiting to get him back out there, and he made an immediate impact. It opens up so much for our offense when you have a guy who can stretch the field like that.”
Herbert also connected twice with second-year receiver Quentin Johnston, who continues to emerge as a reliable deep threat. Johnston hauled in three catches for 125 yards, including two touchdowns that showcased his ability to get behind the defense and make big plays in critical moments.
Chargers Defense: Bend, But Make Big Plays
While the Chargers’ defense allowed 376 passing yards and four touchdowns to the Panthers’ quarterback combo of Bryce Young and Felipe Franks (not to mention the Diontae Johnson touchdown pass), the defense also made several game-changing plays that ultimately swung the momentum in their favor. Rookie cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, along with linebacker Daiyan Henley, combined for four interceptions—three of which were returned for touchdowns.
Henley, in particular, was the star of the defensive show. The second-year linebacker out of Washington State had not one, but two pick-sixes, reading Young’s eyes perfectly on both occasions and returning the interceptions all the way to the house. Henley’s knack for being in the right place at the right time turned what could have been a tightly contested game into a comfortable victory for Los Angeles. “I just trusted my instincts out there,” said Henley. “We’ve been working hard all week on understanding their offensive schemes and tendencies, and today it paid off. But it’s a team effort—we got pressure up front, and the guys in coverage were great.”
Cam Hart, the 5th-round pick out of Notre Dame, added a pick-six of his own, jumping a wide receiver screenplay and racing untouched to the end zone. Rookie corner Tarheeb Still, out of Maryland, not to be outdone, snagged an interception of his own in the fourth quarter, snuffing out a late Panthers drive that was gaining steam.
“The defense gave up some yards, but they were resilient,” said Jay Cee. “We talk about ‘sudden change’ plays all the time—how do you respond when the other team has momentum? Today, our guys responded with big plays, and it’s a credit to their preparation and effort.”
A Tale Of Two Teams’ Offensive Firepower
The game was a showcase of offensive firepower on both sides. The Panthers, led by Bryce Young, found success through the air despite his interceptions. Young completed 11 of 18 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target, Xavier Legette, had a breakout performance with four catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns, including an 83-yard bomb that kept the Panthers within striking distance.
In the run game, Panthers running back Chubba Hubbard was a bright spot, rushing for 101 yards on 15 carries and adding a touchdown. His hard-nosed running style gave the Chargers’ front seven some problems, especially early in the game. The Panthers’ offense also benefited from solid production from tight end Tommy Tremble, who had five catches for 92 yards, providing Young with a reliable safety valve over the middle.
However, for all their yardage, the Panthers struggled to capitalize in key moments. Turnovers, particularly the three interceptions thrown by Young and one by Franks, halted any momentum Carolina tried to build. The Chargers’ defense bent, allowing significant yardage, but never broke, thanks to their knack for timely takeaways.
“We put up some good numbers, but you can’t win in this league with that many mistakes,” said Panthers head coach Frank Reich. “The Chargers’ defense made plays, and we didn’t take care of the football. That’s the difference in the game.”
Balanced Attack On Both Sides Leads To Chargers’ Success
While Herbert’s aerial assault was the headline, the Chargers’ offense displayed a balanced attack that kept the Panthers’ defense guessing. Running back Hassan Haskins was effective both on the ground and through the air, rushing 13 times for 56 yards and a touchdown while adding three receptions for 20 yards. His versatility allowed the Chargers to maintain control of the clock and sustain drives.
The offensive line, led by All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater, did an admirable job protecting Herbert, allowing just one sack, credited to Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson. The line only paved the way for 87 rushing yards but two rushing touchdowns were big successes for the line ensuring the Chargers could dictate the pace of the game. “Our goal is always to be balanced,” Staley explained. “We want to run the ball effectively and protect Justin so he can make plays. The line did a great job today, and our backs ran hard. That balance is crucial for us.”
The defense also showed key balance despite all the yardage allowed. They blitzed, sat in zone, pressed in man, and anything else to keep the inexperienced Panthers guessing. That misdirection and versatility can be a huge factor in forcing those interceptions and getting sacks and pressure. The lone Los Angeles sack this week was a three-way combined one between safety Derwin James, linebacker Junior Colson, and edge rusher Joey Bosa, talk about a triple threat.
Looking Ahead
With the win, the Chargers move to 2-0 and are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in a pivotal AFC matchup next week. Herbert’s red-hot start, combined with the defense’s ability to create turnovers, has the Chargers looking like a formidable team early in the season. “Every week is a new challenge,” Herbert said. “We’ve got a big one coming up, and we need to keep building on what we’ve done. We’re excited for the opportunity.”
For the Panthers, the loss drops them to 0-2. While Young and the offense showed flashes of brilliance, the turnovers and defensive breakdowns proved costly. Carolina will need to clean up its mistakes as it prepares to face the Las Vegas Raiders next week.
As Week 2 comes to a close, one thing is clear: the Chargers are firing on all cylinders. With Herbert at the helm and a defense capable of making big plays when it matters most, Los Angeles looks poised to make a serious run this season. Fans will be eager to see if the Chargers can keep this momentum rolling as they head into what promises to be a thrilling Week 3 showdown in Pittsburgh.
