Quentin Johnston caught two touchdowns and the Chargers led the Panthers 20-0 at halftime.
It is the first game in Johnston’s career with multiple touchdowns.
The 2023 first-round pick opened the game with a 29-yard touchdown pass to cap Los Angeles’ first possession, then caught a 5-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter to cap an 11-play, 65-yard drive.
JK Dobbins scored the team’s third touchdown, scoring a 43-yard touchdown after Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw an interception.
As expected after defensive tackle Derrick Brown was placed on the injured list earlier this week, the Chargers ran over the Panthers, with the team managing 134 yards on the ground in the first 30 minutes, an average of 6.1 yards per carry.
Dobbins leads with 85 yards. Gus Edwards has 27 yards on eight carries. Quarterback Justin Herbert has 22 yards on three carries.
Aside from one poor decision that led to an interception, Herbert was efficient at throwing, completing 7 of 11 passes for 70 yards with two touchdowns and the interception.
Kicker Cameron Dicker missed the first extra point of his career after Johnston’s first touchdown, but made the next two.
On the other hand, Carolina’s offense once again seemed listless. The Panthers didn’t get a first down until four minutes before the end of the second quarter and ended the half with just two first downs.
Carolina has 54 total yards as Young finished the first half 8 of 10 for 22 yards and an interception.
The kickoff for the second half is for the Panthers.
