Bears set franchise record with 59 points in season-opening win over Panthers
Chicago defeated Charlotte 59-37, posting a franchise-record 552 yards and the most points ever scored by the Bears in an opener.
Chicago opened its season with a 59-37 victory over the Panthers, establishing a franchise record of 552 total yards and the highest point total the Bears have ever posted in a season opener. The win also marked the highest-scoring opening game in NFL history.
Quarterback Caleb Williams completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers, while also adding 65 rushing yards and two rushing scores. He posted a passer rating of 124.1. Wide receiver Rome Odunze and tight end Cole Kmet each caught touchdown passes, with Kmet noting, "I was just trying to get lost in the sauce a little bit and get behind the defense."
Running back D’Andre Swift, who recently signed a three-year extension, rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. Backup running back Kyle Monangai contributed 100 yards and a 61-yard touchdown run.
Head coach Ben Johnson praised the offensive performance but said there were still aspects that needed improvement, adding that he was not satisfied with some of the first-half play calling. Williams later described the game as the team’s “worst” in terms of execution, emphasizing the desire for a more precise performance.
Despite the offensive explosion, Chicago’s defense allowed 37 points, contributing to the high-scoring nature of the contest.