Analyzing the Factors Behind the Bolts’ ‘A Grade’ After Dominant Week 2 Performance

The Chargers cruised to a commanding 26-3 victory over the Panthers in Week 2, dominating from start to finish to improve their season record to 2-0.

This performance showcased excellence on both offense and defense, as the Chargers outgained the Panthers by a decisive margin, 349 yards to 159. Defensively, the Bolts smothered Carolina, holding them to a dismal 1-of-12 on third-down conversions. CBS Sports’ John Breech took note of this comprehensive effort, awarding the Chargers an ‘A grade’ for their Week 2 performance. Breech believes Jim Harbaugh’s influence on the team is becoming increasingly evident in their early success.

In his analysis, Breech highlighted the Chargers’ dominant ground game as a key factor in their success:

For the second straight week, the Chargers rushing attack steamrolled its opponent, and for the second straight week, that led to a Los Angeles win. The Chargers totaled 219 yards on the ground, and most of that came from J.K. Dobbins, who carried the ball 17 times for 131 yards. With his performance, Dobbins became the first Chargers running back since 2006 to open the season with 100 or more rushing yards in each of the first two games.

Defensively, Breech praised the Chargers for suffocating what he described as “an overmatched Panthers offense” that might be the weakest in the league. He noted that the Chargers’ new formula for success — relying on a strong running game and dominant defense — mirrors Harbaugh’s classic style and has propelled the team to its first 2-0 start in 12 years.

With over 200 rushing yards in Week 2, the Chargers have now racked up nearly 400 rushing yards over the first two games of the season.

Though the passing game wasn’t as prolific, there was a standout performance through the air. Second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston led the team with five receptions for 51 yards, recording the first multi-touchdown game of his career with two scores in the first half. NFL. com’s Bobby Kownack highlighted Johnston’s breakout performance, calling it one of his biggest takeaways from the game.

Kownack wrote:

He didn’t see a ton of opportunities in Los Angeles’ low-volume passing attack on Sunday, but Johnston took advantage of them to make his case for a larger role. His first highlight came on the Chargers’ opening score, a 29-yard touchdown reception where Johnston adjusted to make a tough grab against cornerback Jaycee Horn. Later, he found himself wide open in the end zone for an easy third-and-goal touchdown. He finished the day with two TDs and three additional catches, totaling 51 receiving yards.

Although the Panthers are a struggling team, Kownack gave credit to Johnston for demonstrating why he was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Chargers now look ahead to their Week 3 matchup against the Steelers, hoping to build on their early-season momentum as they hit the road once again.

The Chargers earned an ‘A grade’ after their dominant 26-3 win over the Panthers in Week 2, showcasing excellence on both offense and defense. They outgained Carolina 349 to 159 yards and held the Panthers to just 1-of-12 on third-down attempts. J.K. Dobbins led the way with 131 rushing yards, as the team totaled 219 yards on the ground, while wide receiver Quentin Johnston had a standout game with two touchdowns. The victory reflects head coach Jim Harbaugh’s formula of strong defense and a powerful running game, helping the Chargers start 2-0 for the first time in 12 years.