Carolina Panthers

Panthers Game Day: San Diego Chargers - Week 14

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Carolina Panthers return home attempting to rebound after a disastrous prime time game in Seattle last week…

Both the Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers had any semblance of the playoffs essentially erased with losses last week. Carolina was embarrassed by Seattle and San Diego fell to the Panthers’ NFC South rival, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Hoping to respond, Sunday provides a unique challenge as both teams will be playing for pride. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will be making his return to the state of North Carolina, where he played college football (NC State), playing in his first game since 2003. If the Panthers are going to have any success against him, a defense likely to have Luke Kuechly back will need to perform well.

Two additional defenders who are currently in the concussion protocol could also return alongside Kuechly. Both safety Kurt Coleman and rookie cornerback Daryl Worley were also limited participants in practice on Friday. Having all three back on defense definitely increases the Carolina Panthers chance at a victory.

2016 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-8) vs. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (5-7)

KICKOFF: 1:00 PM ET

TV: FOX

LOCATION: BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM

WEATHER: 46 degrees, 50% humidity, SE 6mph wind, 0% precipitation

LAST MEETING: 31-7, CAR – Dec. 16, 2012

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) and defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) and cornerback Daryl Worley (26) and strong safety Kurt Coleman (20) celebrate with outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) after he scores a touchdown in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

KEY MATCH-UP: CAR Secondary vs. Philip Rivers, Quarterback

Rivers has orchestrated an offense that despite taking on multiple injuries has managed to remain successful to some degree. Losing multiple close games, much like Carolina, Rivers never pointed fingers and occasionally took the blame himself, when warranted.

The secondary of the Carolina Panthers has been improving as the season progressed. So much in fact that the team elected to part ways with both Bene Benwikere and Robert McClain, two cornerbacks who could also play in the nickel position.

Rookies James Bradberry and Daryl Worley (if available) are sure to be tested by Rivers and his deep threat receivers – Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, and Travis Benjamin. Though improved, Rivers and company could find room to work against the young secondary.

Even with the return of Kuechly, the Chargers are battle tested and have been the more resilient of the two teams this season. Neither is really playing for anything other than pride at this point and last week Carolina lacked just that in Seattle. Unfortunately, expect Carolina’s dismal season to continue on Sunday.

PREDICTION: CHARGERS – 31, PANTHERS – 20