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Bears defeat Panthers 59-37 in season opener despite secondary struggles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 11:18 PM

Last updated Sep 14, 2026

Bears defeat Panthers 59-37 in season opener despite secondary struggles

Summary

The Chicago Bears opened their 2026 NFL season with a 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Despite the win, the Bears' secondary faced challenges, allowing Panthers quarterback Bryce Young to pass for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Defensive coordinator Ben Johnson expressed confidence in cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson after they both struggled. Rookie Dillon Thieneman and Malik Muhammad performed well in their debuts, contributing significantly on defense. The Bears now prepare for their home opener against the Minnesota Vikings on September 20.

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By the Numbers

•Bears coach Ben Johnson praised team's resilience in tough conditions and humidity.
•Tyrique Stevenson allowed two touchdown receptions while Jaylon Johnson struggled against the pass.
•Rookies Dillon Thieneman and Malik Muhammad had standout performances on defense.
•Bears prepare for the Minnesota Vikings in their upcoming home opener.

Latest Updates

11:18 PMYahoo Sports — 4 things we learned from the Chicago Bears, including both cornerbacks looking to bounce back

What they're saying

"
The Chicago Bears didn’t have to worry about rust coming into a new season. They were more concerned about melting. The temperature before kickoff Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., was 89 degrees with 48% humidity, resulting in a “feels like” temperature of 94. After a 59-37 season-opening win that lasted 3 hours, 32 minutes on a sweltering North Carolina afternoon, Bears ...
— Yahoo Sports

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