/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5139047/20121216_jrc_ar5_025.0.jpg)
Panthers, Rivera latest to enjoy Chargers hospitality - Tom Krasovic
As the Chargers (5-9) played generous hosts en route to their third consecutive home defeat and fifth this year, the Panthers performed as if Rivera and his offensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski, had filched both the gameplan and play sheet of their former Chargers boss, Norv Turner.
Tolbert's production a piece of Chargers' demise - Kevin Acee
Sunday tied the biggest margin of defeat in the Norv Turner era and was arguably the most embarrassing too -- in addition to being the one that assured the team will miss the postseason for a third straight year and suffer its first losing season since 2003.
Chargers just can't line up - Nick Canepa
Injuries may have withered their roster and driven the decimated Chargers to the physical cliff, but it figured the Carolina Panthers lacked depth perception _ or any kind of perception. They came in here nearing Christmas with four wins. They left with five. Easy.
Gates Ties Touchdown Record in Loss - Ryan Schuler
"To be mentioned in the same category as a guy like Lance, who has obviously paved the way for guys like myself and guys before me, it’s definitely an honor to be in that situation and be among the elites," said Gates
Mathews Breaks Clavicle in Defeat - Ricky Henne
Ryan Mathews began the season by breaking his right clavicle on his first carry of the preseason. He most likely ended his year with the same injury on Sunday, this time breaking his left one in the team’s 31-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Bolts Can't Overcome Slow Start - Ryan Schuler
"It’s obviously deflating when you’re (down) 21 points, but I don’t think there was a man out there that was giving up in anyway," strong safety Corey Lynch said.
Wrap-up: Panthers 31, Chargers 7 - Bill Williamson
There was some good news for the Chargers. Star tight end Antonio Gates caught his 81st career touchdown reception. He tied Lance Alworth for most in franchise history.