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What we learned: They're figuring out an offensive formula that works. It wasn't always pretty. The Panthers had to settle for five field goals in their win over the Chargers, but they moved the ball well in the first half specifically, scoring on five consecutive possessions during one stretch. The game plan called for Teddy Bridgewater to get the ball out quickly and connect on easy completions. Bridgewater's average pass traveled a league-low 4.5 yards. His expected completion percentage was a league-high 76 percent. It was a smart strategy, considering how the Chargers' defense plays and the fact Carolina was without Christian McCaffrey. Nice first NFL win for Matt Rhule.

That was a good road victory for this young team against the Chargers. The defense is loaded with young players and it's improving by the week.

Got their first two sacks of the season Sunday, a precursor to first-year head coach Matt Rhule's maiden win. Coincidence?

What we got wrong: The defense wouldn't be good enough to win early.

Don't get me wrong. The defense still has issues, none more than missed tackles and yards allowed after initial contact. But the Panthers are 1-2 after Sunday's 21-16 victory over the Chargers despite not having Pro Bowl DT Kawann Short in the middle for two games due to a foot injury and starting three to four rookies on defense at times. Still, they have been in position to win all three games, which is an accomplishment. As this group grows with experience alongside an offense that's capable of putting points on the board, the Panthers won't be an easy win moving forward. -- David Newton

A nice win for the Panthers, who snapped a 10-game losing streak dating back to last season with a 21-16 victory over the Chargers at Hollywood Park. Matt Rhule probably took a little more satisfaction getting his first NFL win while team MVP Christian McCaffrey recuperates with an ankle injury. Mike Davis managed 91 yards from scrimmage and a score in CMC's place, and the Carolina defense made its overdue arrival with eight QB hits, two sacks and four turnovers. On offense, the Panthers have a legit 1-2 punch at wide receiver in D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. They are the second receiver duo in team history to each have more than 200 receiving yards through three weeks.