Game story
In Week 3 of the 2020 NFL season on 2020-09-27, the Carolina Panthers took care of business against the Los Angeles Chargers, pulling away with a 21–16 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 19 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) paced the passing game, with -3.64 total EPA, and +1.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, H. Henry (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.92 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-23.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Los Angeles Chargers changed the game: (:06) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 13-K.Allen to CAR 14 for 14 yards [91-S.Weatherly]. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CAR-94-E.Obada at CAR 19. 94-E.Obada to CAR 19 for no gain (30-A.Ekeler).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 6 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 21 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 0 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 H. Henry · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.92 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.70 EPA/play
- 2 A. Ekeler · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +3.79 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 3 R. Anderson · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.08 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
- 4 D. Moore · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.19 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
- 5 C. Samuel · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +2.16 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 6 T. Bridgewater · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +1.95 total EPA · 31 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 7 J. Guyton · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.10 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.37 EPA/play
- 8 M. Williams · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +1.01 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
H. Henry — LAC · Receiving
H. Henry posted the highest total EPA (+4.92) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 7 counted snaps, they averaged +0.70 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.46 EPA) came from Los Angeles Chargers: (7:52) 10-J.Herbert sacked at LAC 36 for -8 yards (53-B.Burns). FUMBLES (53-B.Burns) [53-B.Burns], RECOVERED by CAR-52-T.Whitehead at LAC 45. 52-T.Whitehead to LAC 35 for 10 yards (86-H.Henry).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — A. Ekeler
- Carolina Panthers — M. Davis (T. Bridgewater pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — K. Allen (J. Herbert pass)
Field goals
- Carolina Panthers — J. Slye
- Carolina Panthers — J. Slye
- Carolina Panthers — J. Slye
- Carolina Panthers — J. Slye
- Los Angeles Chargers — M. Badgley
- Carolina Panthers — J. Slye
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 6–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LAC 11 (Q1 54:25) — (9:25) 4-J.Slye 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LAC 6 (Q1 49:31) — (4:31) 4-J.Slye 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton..
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 12–7. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CAR 12 (Q2 44:22) — (14:22) 30-A.Ekeler right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 44:14) — 4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LAC 12 (Q2 38:15) — (8:15) 4-J.Slye 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the LAC 13 (Q2 33:06) — (3:06) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 28-M.Davis for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LAC 4 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 4-J.Slye 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 3–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CAR 23 (Q3 16:18) — (1:18) 4-M.Badgley 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long. LAC-66-D.Feeney was injured during the play..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 6–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the LAC 13 (Q4 11:03) — (11:03) 4-J.Slye 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CAR 14 (Q4 4:39).
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:06) — (:06) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 13-K.Allen to CAR 14 for 14 yards [91-S.Weatherly]. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by CAR-94-E.Obada at CAR 19. 94-E.Obada to CAR 19 for no gain (30-A.Ekeler).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 52:52) — (7:52) 10-J.Herbert sacked at LAC 36 for -8 yards (53-B.Burns). FUMBLES (53-B.Burns) [53-B.Burns], RECOVERED by CAR-52-T.Whitehead at LAC 45. 52-T.Whitehead to LAC 35 for 10 yards (86-H.Henry).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:22) — (:22) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 26-D.Jackson at CAR 26. 26-D.Jackson to LAC 8 for 66 yards (10-J.Herbert).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 37:05) — (7:05) 27-J.Kelley left tackle to CAR 45 for 16 yards (54-S.Thompson; 33-T.Boston). FUMBLES (54-S.Thompson), RECOVERED by CAR-54-S.Thompson at CAR 43. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not d
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 0:36) — (:36) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left to 30-A.Ekeler pushed ob at LAC 41 for 11 yards (21-J.Chinn). PENALTY on CAR-97-Y.Gross-Matos, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards, enforced at LAC 41.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 52:52) — (7:52) 10-J.Herbert sacked at LAC 36 for -8 yards (53-B.Burns). FUMBLES (53-B.Burns) [53-B.Burns], RECOVERED by CAR-52-T.Whitehead at LAC 45. 52-T.Whitehead to LAC 35 for 10 yards (86-H.Henry).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 30:22) — (:22) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short left intended for 13-K.Allen INTERCEPTED by 26-D.Jackson at CAR 26. 26-D.Jackson to LAC 8 for 66 yards (10-J.Herbert).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q2 37:05) — (7:05) 27-J.Kelley left tackle to CAR 45 for 16 yards (54-S.Thompson; 33-T.Boston). FUMBLES (54-S.Thompson), RECOVERED by CAR-54-S.Thompson at CAR 43. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not d
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q4 4:39) — (4:39) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 13-K.Allen for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CAR-98-M.Haynes, Defensive Offside, declined.
Quarterback report card
J.Herbert led all passers in efficiency for Los Angeles Chargers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) · 56 dropbacks · 62.5% completion · +1.4% CPOE · -0.07 EPA/play · -3.64 total EPA
- T.Bridgewater (Carolina Panthers) · 31 dropbacks · 71.0% completion · +5.6% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +1.95 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Los Angeles Chargers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.045 | -0.135 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.9% | 41.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.063 | -0.065 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.355 | -0.401 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.135 | +0.045 |
| Defensive success rate | 58.2% | 57.1% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.04 vs -0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 10 drives, -3.12 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 11 drives, -12.31 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Carolina Panthers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- H. Henry (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- T. Bridgewater (CAR) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q1 54:25 · LAC 11 · Score 3-0
(9:25) 4-J.Slye 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q1 49:31 · LAC 6 · Score 6-0
(4:31) 4-J.Slye 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 44:22 · CAR 12 · Score 6-6
(14:22) 30-A.Ekeler right end for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 44:14 · CAR 15 · Score 6-7
4-M.Badgley extra point is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 38:15 · LAC 12 · Score 9-7
(8:15) 4-J.Slye 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 33:06 · LAC 13 · Score 15-7
(3:06) 5-T.Bridgewater pass short left to 28-M.Davis for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · LAC 4 · Score 18-7
(:03) 4-J.Slye 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q3 16:18 · CAR 23 · Score 18-10
(1:18) 4-M.Badgley 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-C.Mazza, Holder-1-T.Long. LAC-66-D.Feeney was injured during the play. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 11:03 · LAC 13 · Score 21-10
(11:03) 4-J.Slye 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-3-J.Charlton. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 4:39 · CAR 14 · Score 21-16
(4:39) (Shotgun) 10-J.Herbert pass short middle to 13-K.Allen for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CAR-98-M.Haynes, Defensive Offside, declined.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The Carolina Panthers beat the Los Angeles Chargers 21-16 in Week 3, 2020 on 2020-09-27.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 21, Los Angeles Chargers 16 (CAR 21-16 LAC) in Week 3, 2020 on 2020-09-27.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 6, Los Angeles Chargers 0; Q2: Carolina Panthers 12, Los Angeles Chargers 7; Q3: Carolina Panthers 0, Los Angeles Chargers 3; Q4: Carolina Panthers 3, Los Angeles Chargers 6; Final: Carolina Panthers 21, Los Angeles Chargers 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — A. Ekeler (Q2 44:22) Carolina Panthers touchdown — M. Davis (T. Bridgewater pass) (Q2 33:06) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — K. Allen (J. Herbert pass) (Q4 4:39) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Slye (Q1 54:25, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Slye (Q1 49:31, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Slye (Q2 38:15, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Slye (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — M. Badgley (Q3 16:18, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Slye (Q4 11:03, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
J. Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers), 62.5% completion, +1.4% CPOE, -0.07 EPA per dropback, -3.64 total passing EPA. T. Bridgewater (Carolina Panthers), 71.0% completion, +5.6% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +1.95 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Chargers?
H. Henry (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +4.92 on receiving plays. across 7 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.46 EPA): (7:52) 10-J.Herbert sacked at LAC 36 for -8 yards (53-B.Burns). FUMBLES (53-B.Burns) [53-B.Burns], RECOVERED by CAR-52-T.Whitehead at LAC 45. 52-T.Whitehead to LAC 35 for 10 yards . The biggest win-probability swing was -23.6%.
Was Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Chargers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 5 points. Carolina Panthers won 21-16 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 0-2 Now 1-2 W
Los Angeles Chargers
Entered 1-1 Now 1-2 L
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