NFL world reacts to jaw-dropping opener between Panthers, Bears

You can say a lot of things about the Carolina Panthers' 2026 season opener against the Chicago Bears. But you definitely cannot say that it was boring. Heading into this week, we had a feeling that this matchup might turn into a shootout—and that feeling was emphatically validated. The Bears would

What is the story about?

You can say a lot of things about the Carolina Panthers' 2026 season opener against the Chicago Bears. But you definitely cannot say that it was boring.

Heading into this week, we had a feeling

that this matchup might turn into a shootout—and that feeling was emphatically validated. The Bears would outlast the Panthers for a 59-37 win, and their 96 combined points now stand as the most in any Week 1 game in NFL history.

Both quarterbacks, who were also both No. 1 overall picks, helped lead the way for the insane production. Chicago's Caleb Williams went for a total of 334 yards and four touchdowns while Carolina's Bryce Young passed for the second-most yards in his career (361) and scored three touchdowns of his own.

In the end, it was the Bears'

overwhelming rushing attack that knocked the Panthers out. Running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai combined for 224 yards and four scores on just 28 carries.

Here's how the NFL world reacted to the wild outing at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday . . .

The highest-scoring Week 1 game EVER.@drewbrees and @adamamin recap the Bears defeating the Panthers 59-37 in Charlotte pic.twitter.com/QBpdIvhG3p
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 13, 2026

Panthers/Bears over hits before the Two Minute Warning...

Of the first half.
— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) September 13, 2026

I’m sorry the Bears-Panthers score is what now

— Otto Von Tweetmarck (@OVTweetmarck) September 13, 2026

Ben Johnson said before the season started that he wanted the highest scoring offense ever…

The Bears have 45 points through 3 quarters against the Panthers.
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) September 13, 2026

What an absolute barn burner in Charlotte between The Bear & Panthers.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 13, 2026

The Bears Panthers game may be a preview for every game the Bears are going to play in this season
— Football Analysis (@FBallAnalysisYT) September 13, 2026

The Chicago Bears offense might break the NFL record for points scored

The Chicago Bears defense might break the NFL record points allowed
— Matthew S. (@MatthewMKE98) September 13, 2026

Bryce had 371 yards.
Bryce had 4 TD.
Coker had 138 yards.
Coker had 2 TD.
Chuba had 87 yards.
Chuba had 2 TD.
McMillan had 75 yards.
Panthers scored 37 points.

And the Bears won by 22.

— Sam Block (@theblockspot) September 13, 2026