Still weak on offense, Bryce Young and the Panthers did not score a single touchdown against the Bears.
Chicago Bears (3-7) – Carolina Panthers (1-8): 16-13
The Panthers led for a long time, but their defeat ultimately made sense. It was a punt return that gave them their only touchdown of the game early in the game. The attack never set foot in the end zone. Bryce Young (21/38, 185 yards) did not throw an interception, but he did not go far on several occasions. Well put under pressure by a pass rush from the Bears aided by the arrival of Brian Burns, the number one in the Draft was unable to do anything.
The Bears were barely more convincing. Tyson Bagent (20/33, 162 yards) did the essential: not losing the ball. Apart from a few passes to DJ Moore (5 rec, 58 yards) and Cole Kmet (5 rec, 45 yards), his main feat was to pass the ball to D’Onta Foreman (21 races, 80 yards , 1 TD) cleanly in a third quarter offensive ended with a touchdown from the runner (16-10), the only offensive touchdown of the match.
Chicago’s defense then maintained the advantage until the end. Eddy Pineiro missed the equalizer with just under two minutes left. His 59-yard strike was far too short.
Panthers special teams start strong
In a poor game offensively, the chances of the spotlight coming from special teams were high. This is what happened in the first quarter, on the third punt of the game. Ihmir Smith-Marsette returns the ball for 79 yards and the opening score for Carolina (0-7).
The Bears advance better, but they stall in the last yards. They had to settle for three field goals in the first half. At the break, Carolina leads 10 to 9.
Chicago therefore regained the advantage in the third quarter thanks to D’Onta Foreman, before falling back into ineffectiveness. Good news, Young and his attack are even more harmless. A field goal passes to reduce the gap (16-13), and Young even converts a few fourth attempts, but the last kick fails.
Ironically, this victory allows the Bears to increase their chances of having the first choice in the next Draft. Because they push the Panthers down in the standings while holding their first-round pick in 2024, thanks to the trade that gave Bryce Young to Carolina.
