LA Chargers: The good, bad and ugly from loss to Carolina Panthers

The bad:

The penalties:

You could easily put this in the ugly but I do not think that all of the penalties were all the Chargers’ fault, hence why it is in the bad. Plus, the team still could have won the game with the penalties that they had. Eight penalties for 60 yards obviously are not great but it is not absolutely horrendous.

The biggest penalty was on Damion Square on a field-goal attempt from the Panthers that allowed them to extend the drive and score a touchdown on the following play. The referees made a terrible offensive pass interference call on Mike Williams that led to that interception and six-point swing and Joey Bosa was caught offsides multiple times.

It needs to get better. However, it is too soon to consider it a big concern.

First-half defense on third downs:

The LA Chargers wound up having a really good defensive day, but heading into halftime, the team did let up some big third-down conversions that allowed the Panthers to extend some of their early drives.

Ultimately, the team fixed the problem and was really fantastic on defense in the second half.

Playcalling:

I say this in all seriousness — are we sure Anthony Lynn is a good head coach? There have been too many cases of questionable playcalling. And while it is not all on him, he is the guy in charge and has to take the blame.

Two bubble screens on two separate third and 20s (one on third and goal)? Lynn seemingly does not have much confidence in Herbert under center, which is asinine. It was not terrible, but it could have been better.