CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Bears ended a wild first half against the Panthers with a 31-24 lead as both offenses have been explosive.
After sputtering to begin the game, including a lost fumble on the opening possession, the Bears scored touchdowns on three consecutive drives and added a touchdown on a 29-yard scramble by quarterback Caleb Williams just before halftime.
Williams has completed 12 of 16 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown pass for a 136.5 passer rating. He also has 52 yards rushing and two touchdown runs.
Running back D’Andre Swift also has been exceptional with 10 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side, the Panthers scored on 4 of 6 full possessions as the Bears’ defense struggled in pass coverage. Quarterback Bryce Young completed 11 of 17 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns and an interception for a 118.0 passer rating.
Young’s interception came in the final seconds of the first half as the Panthers scrambled in hope of at least a field goal as Bears rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad picked off a deep shot to Jalen Coker.
The Bears’ 31 points in the first half is their third-highest total since 2000.
The Panthers will get the ball coming out of halftime.
Before the game, the Bears made backup quarterback Tyson Bagent inactive because of a back injury, though he’s available as the emergency third quarterback if Williams and Case Keenum get hurt.
Safety Xavier Woods is out with a groin injury he suffered in practice last week. That puts the Bears in a tough spot as top safety Coby Bryant is out for most or all of the season and the other starter is rookie Dillon Thieneman making his NFL debut. The Bears likely will start Cam Lewis for Woods.
Here are the Bears’ inactives:
QB Tyson Bagent (back)
QB Miller Moss
LT Ozzy Trapilo (knee)
OL Jordan McFadden
DL Jayden Loving
DL Jamree Kromah
S Xavier Woods (groin)
Related Posts:
- Playoff loss to Rams haunts, propels Bears QB Caleb Williams into new season News In the middle of a conversation that wandered from blueberries and organic bread recipes to iconic sports leaders like Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams landed on one of his least favorite topics. For every amazing thing that happened last season, including his own heroic plays and…
- As engineer and artist blend styles, Bears' Ben Johnson gets 'goosebumps' about future with Caleb Williams As Bears coach Ben Johnson sat in a conference room at Halas Hall one morning during training camp and dreamed out loud about the upcoming season, he rocked with energy in his swivel chair. He leaned forward and talked with no hesitation about going after not only this Super Bowl,…
- As engineer and artist blend styles, Bears' Ben Johnson gets 'goosebumps' about future with Caleb Williams News As Bears coach Ben Johnson sat in a conference room at Halas Hall one morning during training camp and dreamed out loud about the upcoming season, he rocked with energy in his swivel chair. He leaned forward and talked with no hesitation about going after not only this Super Bowl,…
- Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville disagree over Phil Foden red card against Man Utd Sports Phil Foden was given his marching orders for a kick on Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (Picture: Getty) Wayne Rooney has disputed Phil Foden’s sending off against Manchester United, claiming it was ‘more of a flick or a gesture’ from the Manchester City midfielder on Bruno Fernandes. The first pivotal…
- Roy Keane slams ‘daft’ Bruno Fernandes over Phil Foden red card in Manchester derby Sports Phil Foden was sent-off following an altercation with Bruno Fernandes (Picture: Getty) Roy Keane accused Bruno Fernandes of play acting in order to get Phil Foden sent off in Sunday’s Manchester derby. In front of the watching England manager, Thomas Tuchel, Foden was given his marching orders midway through the…
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)