The message all week for the Carolina Panthers was, "Get pressure on the quarterback and good things will happen."
Sometimes they happen when there's not pressure.
Second-year cornerback Donte Jackson jumped a Justin Herbert first-and-10 pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen as the Chargers were driving with 22 seconds left in the first half and returned it 66 yards for a big swing.
THIEVESSS‼️ pic.twitter.com/EepRugzVaH
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 27, 2020
The Panthers turned that into a 22-yard field goal, Joey Slye's fourth of the half, for an 18-7 halftime lead Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Perhaps earlier pressure from a Carolina defense that had no sacks and only six pressures going into the game played a role in Herbert's poor decision. Herbert was sacked twice in the first half, the second resulting in a fumble.
Carolina forced three first-half turnovers after totaling only three in the first two games.