Quentin Johnston’s career day against the Panthers was a long time coming.
Johnston, the Chargers’ first-round pick last year, struggled in Year 1. His rookie campaign was littered with dropped passes and separation struggles.
After showing signs of improvement in the spring and summer, it carried over to live-game action.
Johnston had two touchdown catches, tying the amount he had in 2023.
His first score went for 29 yards on Los Angeles’ opening drive. With Jaycee Horn in coverage, Johnston made a great adjustment to the football, reaching out to reel it in.
In the second quarter, Johnston was left wide open in the back of the end zone in a busted coverage by Carolina.
Johnston finished the game as the leader in receptions and receiving yards with five catches for 51 yards.
After the game, Jim Harbaugh heaped high praise on Johnston.
“Maybe nobody more excited for than Quentin Johnston,” Harbaugh said. “Everybody on the team really likes Q, loves him, respects him. Probably most of all because he’s kind of been picked on by a lot of people.
“It doesn’t faze him, he just keeps doing him and he works on stuff he needs to get better at,” Harbaugh added. “Most important part, he doesn’t ever get the big head. Just keep doing you Q.”
For his performance, Johnston received a game ball from Harbaugh in the locker room.
“That’s a great feeling,” Johnston said about receiving the game ball. “At this level it’s an achievement, it’s not always easy having big games like that.
“I just have to take that into account, be proud of it for this moment and keep moving forward and take that on for the rest of the season,” Johnston added.