5 things to watch for as the Panthers prepare to play the Chargers

Speaking of the pass-rushing duo, Bosa and Mack seem primed to disrupt any offensive plan. The Panthers, fresh off a game in which Young was sacked four times, know they have to focus on the duo, which offensive coordinator Brad Idzik described as “quick and powerful.”

Against the Raiders, Bosa and Mack combined for 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks. It's a daunting task that requires line support from other protectors and a quick passing game, according to Idzik.

“We're soaking up all the video, finding ways to help the guys, but then it's also important how you change the rhythm of the passing game. So you're not always just sitting back and having good, quick answers to get the ball out so they can follow up on the perimeter as well.

“I think that's an important aspect, whether it's the running game or the perimeter passing game: Get guys to track laterally.”

With Mack and Bosa tracking laterally, you might assume the middle is open for the running game. However, running back Miles Sanders pointed out that “both of those guys are pretty solid on the inside, too.” That doesn't mean there aren't options on offense, just that all options need to be executed well.

“You have Derwin James, and you have the young guy, Asante Samuel Jr. I'm a big fan of his,” Sanders continued. “They have a good defense, but we have to be fundamentally sound in everything we do and know what we're doing and just execute everything we do. That's the main thing I take away from last week.”

Another lesson learned from last week that could be helpful this week is to use receiver Diontae Johnson more often.

“For us, it's just about finding different ways to get the ball to him,” Idzik said. “He's a dynamic player, so you don't have to pigeonhole him and just leave him in one spot and assume the ball is going to go his way. We just find different ways to do that.”