Carolina (1-2) forced three turnovers, including cornerback Donte Jackson’s 66-yard interception return — his second pick in two games — and had two sacks, including one strip-sack by linebacker Brian Burns, after failing to record one over the first two weeks of the season, and eight quarterback hits.

Those turnovers led to a combined 10 points for the Panthers, including the team’s only touchdown of the day. That score only came after a Chargers’ illegal formation penalty on fourth down gave the Panthers a second opportunity in the red zone, which they took advantage of with a screen pass from Teddy Bridgewater to Mike Davis that resulted in a 13-yard touchdown.

Despite being without defensive tackle Kawann Short for a second straight game due to a foot injury, the Panthers were finally able to get into a rhythm on defense and make the Chargers’ Herbert uncomfortable. Burns played a huge role in that, along with two rookies for the Panthers — defensive tackle Derrick Brown and safety Jeremy Chinn.

The Chargers’ offense moved up and down the field and the lack of Carolina production in the red zone allowed Los Angeles to stay in the game. But the players the Panthers needed to step up, did. And that was enough for a win.