For the first time in a decade, the Carolina Panthers will embark on a defense of a division title. That stand starts on Sunday, as the reigning NFC South champions welcome in the reigning NFC North champions for their regular-season opener at Bank of America Stadium.
With Week 1 comes a myriad of anticipation and excitement, and trying to zero in on just a few storylines is often tough. But we got you covered.
Here's what to watch for in this weekend's matchup between the Panthers and the visiting Chicago Bears . . .
The new(ish)-look offense
In hopes of creating a more fluid operation, head coach Dave Canales handed over offensive play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Brad Idzik earlier this year. This will be Idzik's third season with the team, but his first as an NFL
play-caller.
Canales and Idzik go back, having worked together in Seattle from 2019 to 2022 and in Tampa Bay in 2023, so they're absolutely on the same page in terms of philosophy. In fact, Canales had said as much throughout the offseason.
Although Idzik may prove to be a tad different, the primary objective of this decision is to get the sideline to work more smoothly. With the sheet in the hands of his offensive coordinator, Canales should be able to take a more universal approach in leading his players and staff.
And whether it's Canales, Idzik or Canales and Idzik, the Panthers offense is certainly due for some progression. The team amassed the sixth-fewest yards per game (295.6) and sixth-fewest points per game (18.3) in 2025—with a lack of explosives among the chief concerns.
Idzik's dynamic with quarterback Bryce Young, who's trying to set himself for a contract extension, is of note here as well. We'll also have an eye on how he divides the backfield between running backs Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks and if he utilizes former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller.
Dollars on defense
After fielding one of, if not the worst defense of all-time in 2024, the Panthers made a considerable leap last season. The unit allowed the 16th-fewest yards per game (327.2) and the 15th-fewest points per game (22.4) in 2025—both drastic improvements on their dead-last finishes (404.5 yards and 31.4 points) from the campaign prior.
The front office would then go to work this offseason, reeling in two of free agency's very top defenders to address some longstanding issues. Outside linebacker Jaelen Phillips was signed to the largest deal of the spring (four years, $120 million) to boost a dormant pass rush while Pro Bowler Devin Lloyd was nabbed on a three-year, $42 million pact to finally give the group a formidable starting inside linebacker.
Will those investments pay early dividends against one of the league's most potent offensive attacks?
A fresh start?
Canales certainly deserves props for not only capturing the organization's first division title in a decade, but also establishing a much-needed culture. But his starts to the regular season have left much to be desired.
From Weeks 1 to 4 in both of his first two years at the helm, the Panthers have gone a combined 2-8 with a point differential of -74. Yeah, that's not great.
Unlike in 2025, where Canales and company were able to dig out of their hole in an impressive midseason run, the middle of the 2026 schedule might not be as forgiving. Following their first four games and a Week 5 bye, Carolina will face a tough stretch that includes the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens.
If the Panthers get off to a third straight 1-4 start under Canales, they may keep sinking from there. Sunday's opener at home will give them an opportunity to sail this ship off into the right direction.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Bears in Week 1
