The Chicago Bears absolutely obliterated the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, walking away with a monstrous 59-37 final score in their first regular season game. You’d think after a blowout like that, the winning quarterback wouldn’t have much to say about the losing team’s defense, right? Wrong. In a post-game exchange that had everyone scratching their heads, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams told Panthers head coach Dave Canales, “Y’all are a great defense, man.”
Was Caleb Williams Trolling Dave Canales?
Seriously, did Williams just troll Canales after handing the Panthers a 22-point beatdown? That’s what a lot of people were wondering after the video clip from Carolina Sports Live went viral. It looked like a total dig, the kind of unsportsmanlike move that sometimes creeps into the NFL. The score was so lopsided, it felt wild for Williams to offer up a compliment like that. Was he being sarcastic? Was he trying to get under Canales’ skin? Fans and reporters alike were buzzing about the potential shade.
Canales Sets the Record Straight
Well, Dave Canales isn’t having any of it. He spoke with reporters on Monday and completely shut down the trolling speculation. Canales said he didn’t take Williams’ comment badly at all, explaining it as “just a common post-game humility.” He even compared it to his exchanges with other coaches like Ben Johnson, saying Williams was simply acknowledging their preparation. Canales believed Williams was aware of the type of defense the Panthers played last season and was just being respectful. He added, “I thought it was a good kid just being respectful and just kinda making a comment about just, ‘Hey, we prepared and you guys played hard.’ And he didn’t have to say it, ‘We played better today.’”
So, there you have it. Canales isn’t offended, and the Panthers have to move past the lopsided loss and Williams’ peculiar comment. They’ve got the Atlanta Falcons coming up on Sunday, and they’ll need to turn things around quick for Week 2.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply