59 points almost wasn't enough for Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Johnson's Bears stuck it to the Carolina Panthers
in this past weekend's regular-season opener, running over their generous hosts at Bank of America Stadium en route to a jaw-dropping 59-37 victory. The combined 96-point output was the highest Week 1 total in NFL history, with Chicago's 59 points now standing as the most Carolina has ever surrendered in their 32-year existence.But Johnson, who spoke with ESPN Chicago on Tuesday, might've insinuated that he was thinking about dropping a 60 burger . . .
#Bears HC Ben Johnson implies he was thinking about reaching 60 points and considered going for two at the end instead of finishing Sunday vs. the Panthers with 59. Absolute
madman. 😂 (via @ESPN1000) https://t.co/copnjSxvkO pic.twitter.com/CIAupxHl5z
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 16, 2026
The Bears' eighth and final touchdown of the outing came with 3:40 remaining in the fourth quarter, when running back D'Andre Swift broke off a 28-yard romp into the end zone. That pushed the lead to 58-37 for Chicago, who opted for a simple extra point from kicker Cairo Santos instead of a two-point conversion.
This wouldn't have been the first time Johnson stuck it to the Panthers. The Charleston, S.C. native and University of North Carolina alum reportedly turned down interviews for Carolina's head-coaching vacancy in the past, biding his time and remaining the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions before ultimately landing with Chicago in 2025.
And like his decision to take the gig for the Bears, Johnson's choice not to rub it in on Sunday was probably the right one.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson hints he was thinking about hanging 60 points on Panthers
