5 key things to know about Chargers’ Week 3 battle with Panthers
The Chargers will be meeting with the Panthers this Sunday in Week 3 of the 2020 regular season.
Los Angeles is looking to get back to a winning record while Carolina is searching for their first win.
Here are five things to know about this weekend’s contest:
Missing best player
The Panthers will be without a player that would’ve likely been a large factor of the matchup. Running back Christian McCaffrey was placed on the injured reserve after suffering a high-ankle sprain in last Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers. McCaffrey is not only one of the league’s best running backs, but one of the best receivers. The offense revolved around him, and now they will have to go on without him for the next month or so. Carolina will now rely on Mike Davis to fill the void.
Robby is on the rise
With the Panthers missing McCaffrey, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will look to his other favorite weapon, wide receiver Robby Anderson. Anderson, who was acquired this past offseason, is fourth in the NFL with 223 receiving yards through two weeks. Meanwhile, Bridgewater is fourth in the NFL with 636 passing yards.
Herbert will start
Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert will make his second straight start. This comes after team doctors advised Tyrod Taylor not to play indefinitely due to his punctured lung. In his professional debut, Herbert threw for 311 yards and recorded two total touchdowns and one interception in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs.
Facing familiar faces
The Panthers boast three players that used to suit up in the blue and gold, offensive tackle Russell Okung, safety Tre Boston and guard Michael Schofield, as well as offensive line coach Pat Meyers. Okung, who was a part of the deal to acquire guard Trai Turner, is the starting left tackle. He was inactive in Week 1, but he started the following week. Boston is the starting free safety. He has amassed 10 total tackles and a forced fumble. Schofield has started two games at left guard.
Struggling to get to the quarterback
This matchup may be in favor of the Chargers’ quarterback and running backs as the Panthers are the only defense in the league to not post a sack in the first two games. They have only posted one quarterback hit, as well. Their run defense ranks below average, giving up 127.5 yards per game.
