Caleb Williams, Bears overwhelm Panthers 59-37 in what AP called highest-scoring season opener
CHARLOTTE, Sept. 13, 2026 The Chicago Bears beat the Carolina Panthers 59-37 in what the AP called the highest-scoring season opener in NFL history. The win moved the Bears to 1-0 and dropped the Panthers to 0-1. The ESPN box score and scoring summary reflected an offensive shootout that featured several long touchdown runs and multiple scoring drives for both teams. AP reported that Bears coach Ben Johnson said he slept well at the team hotel Saturday night, sensing quarterback Caleb Williams was ready for the opener.
Williams accounted for four touchdowns Two of those scores were rushing touchdowns, of 9 and 29 yards, and two were passing touchdowns to tight end Cole Kmet (22 yards) and receiver Jahdae Walker (1 yard). Running back D’Andre Swift contributed three rushing touchdowns, including a 28-yard score late in the fourth quarter, and Kyle Monangai broke a 61-yard run for a touchdown to extend Chicago’s lead. Kicker Cairo Santos added a 40-yard field goal as part of a balanced attack that mixed explosive runs and timely passing.
The Panthers still produced 37 points, with quarterback Bryce Young throwing two touchdown passes to Jalen Coker (51 and 8 yards) and rushing for a 7-yard touchdown. Chuba Hubbard also caught a 4-yard TD pass and later ran for a 2-yard touchdown, while Ryan Fitzgerald converted a 44-yard field goal and handled other kicking duties. The Panthers’ offense repeatedly put points on the board, but Carolina could not contain Chicago’s long gains and frequent scoring swings. ESPN’s scoring summary showed a blocked extra point after one of Coker’s touchdowns, but it did not alter the outcome.
Johnson told reporters he felt Williams was ready for the opener and that feeling showed as Williams directed multiple scoring drives and broke off two rushing TDs. The Bears struck quickly and often, forcing Carolina to play from behind for much of the game. The result raised immediate questions about the Panthers’ defensive adjustments early in the season while underscoring Chicago’s offensive firepower. Both teams will head into Week 2 with things to fix and areas to build on after an unusually high-scoring debut.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Chicago’s 59 points showcased an offense capable of quick-strike scoring and breaking long plays, and Caleb Williams delivered a four-touchdown debut that will buoy expectations. Carolina answered with 37 points and several big plays, but it could not match Chicago’s explosiveness or prevent chunk gains. The Panthers must shore up their run defense and limit yards after contact to avoid similar blowouts, while the Bears will take confidence from a balanced attack that married long runs with efficient passing. Both clubs will emphasize situational defense and red-zone work as they prepare for Week 2.