The Chicago Bears kicked off the 2026 NFL season with a statement against the Carolina Panthers in a 59-37 win, where the 89 combined points between both teams was the most-ever in a Week 1 NFL game.
Things got off to a disastrous start for the Bears, where they turned the ball over on their opening possession and quickly trailed 7-0. From there, it became a shootout between Caleb Williams and Bryce Young, where Chicago and Carolina combined for 55 first-half points. The Bears defense improved in the second half, and the offense was able to continue to score and was able to hold off the Panthers for a big victory.
Here's a look at our studs and duds from the Bears' historic Week 1 win vs. the Panthers:
Stud: QB Caleb Williams
Things couldn't have gone better for Caleb
Williams in this season opener, where he had a perfect passer rating at halftime. Williams had a near perfect game, both through the air and on the ground. He completed 21-of-29 passes (72% completion percentage) for 269 yards and two touchdowns for a 124.1 passer rating. Williams also added 65 rushing yards on 10 carries and two scores while leading his team to 59 points.
Stud: RB D'Andre Swift
Just days after inking a three-year contract extension, running back D'Andre Swift showed just how valuable he is to this offense. Swift led a Chicago rushing attack that nearly eclipsed 300 yards, totaling 124 yards on 18 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry, and three touchdowns. He also caught one pass for 10 yards.
Stud: S Dillon Thieneman
There wasn't a lot to love about the Bears defense, but rookie safety Dillon Thieneman was the biggest standout and he had a strong debut. Thieneman led the team with 11 tackles, including eight solo, with one QB hit and one pass deflection. He also had a key tackle where cornerback Jaylon Johnson was able to force a fumble on Tetairoa McMillan early in the fourth quarter that helped preserve the lead. Thieneman made key plays throughout and was a game changer on defense.
Stud: WR Kalif Raymond
Veteran Kalif Raymond could prove to be one of the biggest offseason acquisitions, and his Bears debut showed exactly why. Raymond led Chicago with eight receptions for 84 yards on nine targets, including a 28-yard catch. He was a security blanket for Caleb Williams throughout the game, making key receptions in this shootout win.
Stud: WR Jahdae Walker
One of the biggest unsung heroes of this game was second-year receiver Jahdae Walker, who made plays both on offense and special teams. Walker was a valuable asset as a blocker, and he really embraced the "no block, no rock" mentality that Ben Johnson has preached. He had some big blocks on special teams and offense, including on Kyle Monangai's 61-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Walker did get some action in the passing game, hauling in a 1-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams in the fourth quarter that solidified the win.
Stud: RB Kyle Monangai
While D'Andre Swift saw a bulk of the action on offense, and stole the show, second-year pro Kyle Monangai had an impressive showing as part of the Bears' top rushing attack. Monangai had 10 carries for 100 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown to close out the third quarter and extend Chicago's lead. He also had two catches for 24 yards.
Dud: TE Colston Loveland
Perhaps the biggest dud of the day was tight end Colston Loveland, who was expected to be a huge part of Chicago's passing attack. And it wasn't his fault in the slightest. Loveland served primarily as a blocker and was only targeted just twice in the passing game, and he failed to come away with a catch. That will most likely change as the season progresses, especially heading into next week. But it was definitely disappointing.
Dud: CBs Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson
The defense as a whole was a disappointment considering they allowed 37 points, including 24 in the first half. Considering this is a win, we're not going to list out all of the duds, but cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson were certainly the biggest. The Panthers have some playmakers on offense, and Johnson and Stevenson struggled for most of the day. Johnson is healthy and the expectation was for him to return to Pro Bowl form, but he was beat several times, while Stevenson had a rough showing, as well.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Studs and duds from Bears' high-scoring win vs. Panthers
