Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears and the Panthers
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With 96 combined points, the Bears and Panthers shattered the previous mark for an opener — the 88 points posted in a 48-40 Tampa Bay win over New Orleans in 2018. The Bears set a franchise record for points in an opener, besting a 45-7 win over the Packers in 1948.
Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor would go into the shocking outing from Colston Loveland in Week 1.
NFL Week 1 continues Sunday when the Carolina Panthers host the Chicago Bears. Start time, how to watch live, streaming and NFL TV schedule.
The Chicago Bears were major winners in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. If their latest game is any indication, the team will be very difficult to stop.
The Chicago Bears started their season with a historic scoring performance in their win over the Carolina Panthers.
The team's previous season opener record was a 45-7 win over the Packers in 1948.
Here is a look at the good, bad and ugly in the Chicago Bears' historic 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1.
Things looked particularly good for the future of starting quarterback Bryce Young, who had the first strong season opener of his pro career. Carolina also got production at tight end in the passing game and a reassuring performance at running back from Chuba Hubbard. Rookie tackle Monroe Freeling also had a solid debut after some early issues.