The Panthers started the game on offense after the Chargers won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The Panthers went three-and-out on their opening drive after gaining just two yards in three plays.
The defense did a good job on the Chargers’ first possession by forcing them into their own three-and-out, and even picked up their first sack of the season. Marquis Haynes had the honor of getting the team’s first sack on an opposing quarterback.
The Panthers put something together on their second drive as Teddy Bridgewater found several receivers down field to get into Chargers territory, but the drive stalled and the Panthers settled for a Joey Slye field goal to take a 3-0 lead with 9:20 left in the quarter.