The Chicago Bears made quite the first impression to open up their 2026 season. The highly anticipated matchup between the Carolina Panthers turned into a fireworks display of offense as the Bears routed the reigning NFC South division winners 59-37 to start the year 1-0. It was a game that set a number of NFL records, including most combined points for any Week 1 matchup in NFL history.
Things started out rocky for the Bears, though. A fumble by receiver Luther Burden gave Carolina a prime scoring opportunity, which they took advantage of with an early 7-0 lead. From there, the floodgates opened on both sides. The Bears and Panthers traded scoring drives until the Bears took the 31-24 lead going into halftime.
From there, the Bears pulled away
thanks to a punishing rushing attack with D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, and even Caleb Williams, who totaled 289 yards on the ground collectively. They also combined for six rushing touchdowns, tying a team record.
Williams was also efficient through the air, completing 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He was in complete control as the Bears punished the Panthers repeatedly in the second half. Though the Bears' defense had their own struggles, they did enough to limit quarterback Bryce Young and the Panthers' offense in the second half.
It was a celebratory day for Bears fans, who have never seen such an offensive output to begin a season. Here is how the NFL world reacted to the victory.
NFL world reacts to Bears' historic win over the Panthers
Ben Johnson has said he wants to set scoring records this year.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 13, 2026
The Bears have scored 59 points today, tied for the 2nd most by any team in Week 1 in NFL history.
Come again? https://t.co/8kmMf7zsEA
— Bears Nation (@BearsNationCHI) September 13, 2026
Fun Fact: In 2024 — with Caleb Williams at quarterback — the #Bears didn't score their 59th point until Week 4. 🤔
— Mark Potash (@MarkPotash) September 13, 2026
Boy hung 60 on your ass 😂 https://t.co/ewNmp8ZOI0
— illwill (@79illwill) September 13, 2026
Maybe you shouldn’t roll your eyes when Ben Johnson says his team can lead the #NFL in scoring & set records.
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) September 13, 2026
Today’s Bears game was so much fun.
— Ron Luce (@LuceOnTap) September 13, 2026
So much.
Man, what a day.
me driving to work tomorrow listening to all the national NFL podcasts glaze the Bears pic.twitter.com/SsiaDvdNUw
— Jeremy (@JeromeyR0me) September 13, 2026
Caleb haters don't even say anything anymore. They just look at you like this. pic.twitter.com/DtOJBbM8i0
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 13, 2026
Most my life as a Bears fan I have watched them struggle to score even 21 points
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) September 13, 2026
I genuinely don’t know how to process this is our new reality
Boog what up https://t.co/7MY6A7ylI0
— kyle (@Ky1eLong) September 13, 2026
After today I’m sweating this. https://t.co/3kUNggXAH7
— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) September 13, 2026
WITHOUT A SINGLE DEFENSIVE SCORE!
— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) September 13, 2026
I'm not sure this has ever happened in my life. https://t.co/qFf5wAUoJJ
Not only did the #Bears dominate in Week 1, but we got a Scorigami out of it too
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) September 13, 2026
As if this game couldn’t have gotten more fun lol https://t.co/1MwtoilpUa
Is there a way to bet that the Bears break the PPG record this year?
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) September 13, 2026
Just a couple of years early. pic.twitter.com/ixJlsRl1Pq
— Kevin Kaduk | Bears By 7 (@KevinKaduk) September 13, 2026
KYLE MONANGAI IMMA POUR HONEY ON YOU GOAT pic.twitter.com/5wdTcQIqnA
— Michael Valenzano (@MaseratiMike_) September 13, 2026
Is today’s completion percentage for Caleb satisfactory to you morons. (Specifically referring to a handful of morons).
— P (@P_Shels) September 13, 2026
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL world reacts to Bears' historic win over the Panthers
