Game Thread: Panthers @ Chargers

It’s almost game time and if you’re anything like me, you can’t sit still as you’re being racked with anticipation and excitement about today’s matchup.

Today is rookie quarterback Justin Herbert’s second career start, but it’s his first start with an actual week of practice as QB1. Anthony Lynn and Shane Steichen both stated that they kept the playbook pretty simple during last week’s game, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team open things up even more against the Panthers and their very, very young defense.

How young is their defense, you may be asking? Well, it’s the youngest defense fielded in the last 10 years. Four of the team’s 2020 draft picks have been starters since Week 1, including their first-round pick, defensive tackle Derrick Brown. The retirement of All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly last year didn’t help, either.

The Panthers defense has allowed six rushing touchdowns through the first two weeks of the season, so I expect today to be a big day for both Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley, and maybe even Herbert if he decides to tuck it and run near the goal line once again.

Get your favorite snacks and drinks ready because it’s about game time. Bolt up!