Welcome to the first rendition of my new series for the 2026 season, where I recap what I believe to be the three reasons the Chicago Bears won or lost the previous game.
In week 1, the Bears went on the road against the Carolina Panthers – a playoff team from a year ago – and both teams came away with the most week 1 points scored in their respective franchises history in the 59-37 Bears victory. The 96 combined points were the most ever in a Week 1 contest in NFL history! Ben Johnson’s offense also
had the most total yards (552) in a season opener in franchise history. But it was not all good, as Chicago fumbled on their opening drive, which led to 7 quick points for Carolina. The Bears failed to get 2nd-year stud Colston Loveland involved in the passing game, and he ended up with 0 catches for the first time since week 2 of his rookie season. Chicago committed 12 penalties – their most since week 1 of last season and Ben’s first ever as a head coach. To top it off, the Bears gave up 361 yards passing and 3 TDs to Bryce Young.
With all that said, Chicago still got the W. And here are my three reasons why.
1. Caleb Williams
It would be easy to point to Caleb’s success with his legs in this one. After all, it was his first time as a pro rushing for two scores (should have been three were it not for some bogus officiating, but I digress), and his 65 yards on the ground were his most ever to this point in his career. One could also point to his latest array of highlight reel throws like the TD to Kmet or the “Air Jordan” dime to Kalif Raymond on the run or the 30 yard bomb to Randy Moss Rome Odunze, but I was most impressed by his control of the game and decision making. Apparently, he took some advice from Hall of Famer Drew Brees in the production meeting leading up to game day. No matter what it was, Caleb was dialed in and played within himself, keeping the chains moving and maintaining control of the game. Without Caleb, Chicago might not win this game. But probably still does because of…
2. The Run Game
According to ESPN Insights, Bears RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are the first teammates to each eclipse 100 yards on the ground in a season-opening game since 1980, when the Detroit Lions tandem of Billy Sims and Dexter Bussey accomplished the incredible feat. And while those two played their tails off and ran with quickness, power, and purpose, the run blocking by the offensive line, tight ends, and wide receivers was on point in this one. The 291 rushing yards were the second most in Ben Johnson’s tenure as head coach of the Bears. To do that in week 1, on the road, against a stout Carolina defense was insanely impressive. Some people might believe the Panthers’ defense is just that bad this year, but time will reveal if it was more them being putrid or the Bears’ offense being that good.
3. Rookie DBs
Throughout the game, I only noticed two players on defense who showed up more than once to make a play. And both rookies. First-round safety Dillon Thieneman and fourth-round corner Malik Muhammad. Thieneman was all over the field and ended up leading the team in total tackles. Granted, you never want your safety to lead your team in tackles, but the Panthers rushing offense is good-to-great and they have some big WRs to bring down. Aside from one physical error on the first Panthers drive where the former Oregon Duck failed to get his head across and another play, Thieneman played lights out. His physical collision with Panthers 2025 first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan may not have caused the fumble, but it absolutely helped. Muhammad, meanwhile, was likely my surprise of the whole game. His stickiness in coverage, including against the aforementioned McMillan, who was Offensive Rookie of the Year, mind you, was huge. Muhammad nabbed his first career INT, recorded 3 tackles, and had 2 passes defensed. More of that, please. Especially with so many others struggling on the defensive side of the ball!
