The Carolina Panthers showed plenty of offensive firepower in their 2026 season opener Sunday afternoon, but they couldn’t slow down the Chicago Bears as Carolina fell 59-37 at Bank of America Stadium. The teams combined for 96 points, making it the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history.
Carolina quarterback Bryce Young turned in an impressive performance, completing 23 of 37 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns, while also running for another score. Wide receiver Jalen Coker was Young’s biggest target, hauling in eight passes for a career-high 138 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panthers stayed with Chicago throughout the first half and trailed just 31-24 at halftime. Carolina then tied the game at 31 in the third quarter on a two-yard touchdown run by Chuba Hubbard, but that’s when the Bears took control.
Chicago responded with three straight touchdowns. D’Andre Swift scored from a yard out before Kyle Monangai broke loose for a 61-yard touchdown run, and Caleb Williams later connected with Jahdae Walker for another score to put the Bears ahead 52-31.
Williams finished with 269 yards passing and two touchdowns while rushing for another 65 yards and two scores. Swift was just as damaging, carrying 18 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Chicago finished with 552 yards of total offense, including 291 yards on the ground.
The 59 points were the most ever allowed by the Panthers in franchise history. Carolina also hurt itself with three turnovers and 11 penalties for 84 yards.
The Panthers fall to 0-1 in the young season and will look to bounce back next Sunday when they hit the road to face the Atlanta Falcons in an NFC South matchup.
