The ChicagoBears defeated the Carolina Panthers, 59-37, in dominating fashion to open the 2026 NFL season, and it was an offensive masterclass in every sense for Ben Johnson's team.
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.
We're handing out our game balls to three standout performers, from good to better to best, in the Bears' Week 1 win:
Good: WR Kalif Raymond
Veteran Kalif Raymond could prove
to be one of the biggest offseason acquisitions when this season is said and done, 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.
Better: 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.
Best: Bears run game
The Bears had a dominant offensive showing, and it was powered by their rushing attack that totaled nearly 300 yards and had six touchdowns. So this game ball goes to everyone involved in the run game -- running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who each eclipsed 100 rushing yards with Swift notching three rushing touchdowns, the offensive line -- namely the right side -- that paved the way, quarterback Caleb Williams, who had 65 rushing yards and two scores, as well as the wide receivers and tight ends who blocked their butts off.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Good, Better, Best: Bears' game balls in historic win vs. Panthers
