The Carolina Panthers had high hopes off getting off to a sharp start in the 2026 season when they hosted the Chicago Bears in the season opener. However, the Panthers had no answers to Chicago's explosive offense and Carolina suffered a humiliating 59-37 defeat at home.

Head coach Dave Canales met the media after the Bears put double-digit points on the board in all four quarters and tried to remain hopeful that the Panthers defense would show improvement and do a solid job this season.

“We've just got to get back to work,” Canales said. “The guys are here. The guys are a team. We're going to be truthful about it and we'll take the steps. We'll be back.”

There were more questions about the Panthers offense than the defense before the season opener kicked off. However, quarterback Bryce Young appeared to be up to the challenge as he completed 23 of 37 passes for 361 yards with 3 touchdowns and just 1 interception. Wide receiver Jalen Coker was his primary receiving weapon as he caught 8 passes for 138 yards and 2 TDs.

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Unfortunately, linebacker Devin Lloyd and the Carolina defense was incapable of holding Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in check. Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and 2 TDs and dominated the game. In addition to his passing, he also ran for 65 yards and 2 TDs, including a 29-yard TD late in the second quarter.

The Carolina run defense got ripped apart throughout the game as Chicago RBs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai both exceeded the 100-yard mark. Monangai had a 61-yard TD run up the middle late in the third quarter.

 

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