The Chicago Bears just hung 59 points on the Carolina Panthers in a 59-37 shootout at Bank of America Stadium, setting a new record for the highest-scoring regular-season opener in NFL history. Seriously, 59 points! The Bears hadn’t cracked the 50-point threshold since 2012, so this game was something else.
Caleb Williams and the Bears Ran Wild
The reigning NFC North champs’ offense was absolutely electric. The Bears put up eight touchdowns and racked up 552 total yards. They were converting third downs like it was nothing, going 10 of 14, and practically owned the ball with a 34:03 to 25:57 possession advantage. It was a masterclass in offensive football.
Chicago, the NFL’s top rushing attack in 2025, brought that same energy into 2026, dropping 247 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 35 attempts. D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai were absolutely carving up the Panthers’ defense, combining for a ridiculous 224 yards and four scores on just 28 carries. They were unstoppable.
Caleb Williams was surgical, completing 21 of his 29 throws for 269 yards and two touchdowns. Not enough? He also ran for 65 yards and two more scores. That’s four total touchdowns for the QB in Week 1. Talk about starting the season with a bang.
Panthers Fought Hard, But a Fumble Crushed Their Hopes
The Panthers, reigning NFC South champs, fought hard, but that Chicago offense just forced them into submission. Bryce Young had a strong day despite the loss, going 23 of 37 for 361 passing yards and four touchdowns, including one on the ground. He did throw one interception. Jalen Coker was a beast for them, pulling down eight receptions for 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Chuba Hubbard also did his part, with 10 carries for 49 yards and a rushing touchdown, plus three catches for 38 receiving yards and another receiving touchdown. Some serious production from those guys.
But the game turned in the fourth quarter. The Panthers were down 45-31 when Tetairoa McMillan fumbled away a 21-yard reception. Rookie safety Dillon Thieneman made the play, forcing the turnover and giving the Bears the ball at their own 39-yard line with 14:40 left. Just 12 plays later, Williams found Jahdae Brown for a 1-yard touchdown, making it 52-31 with 6:27 on the clock. That was it. Game over. You just can’t have those kinds of mistakes against an offense that’s firing on all cylinders.
What’s Next for Carolina
So, the Panthers are 0-1 after this wild opener. They’ve got to regroup fast, especially after giving up nearly 60 points. Next up, they’re on the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons, who also started their season 0-1. That’s going to be a crucial game for both teams looking to avoid an 0-2 hole early. Carolina’s defense will be looking for a much better showing.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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