Chicago celebrated a record‑setting start to the NFL season as the Bears trounced the Carolina Panthers 59‑37 on Sunday. Quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft, delivered a performance that looks like a future MVP candidate.
Williams shines in both air and ground
Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns while adding 65 rushing yards and two more scores. He completed several pinpoint passes, including a 22‑yard touchdown to tight end Cole Kmet, and showed elusiveness with a 29‑yard run before halftime.
Key contributors
Running back D’Andre Swift, fresh off a $33.75 million contract extension, rushed for 124 yards on 18 carries and scored three touchdowns. Kyle Monangai added 100 rushing yards, highlighted by a 61‑yard touchdown burst in the second half.
Carolina’s rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, threw for 361 yards, three touchdowns and a rushing score, but three turnovers— a muffed punt, a fumble and an interception— helped seal the Bears’ win.
Record‑breaking night
The 59 points set a new franchise record for an opener, breaking the 1948 mark of 45 points. It also marked the most points the Panthers have ever allowed since joining the league in 1995.
Chicago amassed 552 total yards and 26 first downs, converting 10 of 14 third‑down attempts. The Bears turned a first‑possession turnover into seven touchdowns over the next 12 drives, including the final four possessions.
Coaches’ comments
Head coach Matt Eberflus praised his offense, saying, “That’s how we want to look each week.” Panthers coach Dave Canales acknowledged the Bears’ execution, noting the Panthers “didn’t need any more opportunities.”
Despite a missed fourth‑down attempt by Bears coach Matt Eberflus early in the game, the team recovered and never looked back.
Injuries and next steps
Chicago’s left tackle Braxton Jones left late in the third quarter with an upper‑body injury, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson suffered a shoulder issue, though neither appeared serious. Carolina’s defensive tackle Bobby Brown exited with a back injury.
The Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday, while the Panthers travel to Atlanta for their next matchup.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
