Bears rush past Panthers 59-37 in record-scoring season opener

Chicago ran for 291 yards and six touchdowns to beat Carolina 59-37 in Sunday's season opener at Bank of America Stadium. According to The Guardian, the teams' combined 96 points set an NFL season-opening record. The Bears pulled away after a competitive first half.

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Darin Gantt's report for the Panthers' official website detailed the decisive third-quarter sequence. Chuba Hubbard tied the score at 31 before D'Andre Swift scored from a yard out. After Carolina failed on fourth down, Kyle Monangai broke free for a 61-yard touchdown, extending Chicago's advantage to 45-31. A subsequent Tetairoa McMillan fumble gave the Bears another opening.

Bryce Young completed 23 of 37 passes for 361 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Jalen Coker caught eight passes for 138 yards and two scores. But Carolina committed 11 penalties for 84 yards, and offensive pass interference calls wiped out two touchdowns. The Panthers conceded more points than in any previous game.

Swift entered the opener with his future in Chicago newly secured. The Bears announced on Saturday that the running back had signed a three-year extension through 2029. In the team's announcement, general manager Ryan Poles praised Swift's professionalism and consistency, noting that his commitment had remained steady while approaching the final year of his contract.

The extension followed a season in which Swift established career highs with 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, according to the Bears. Chicago averaged 144.5 rushing yards per game in 2025, ranking third in the NFL, won the NFC North and reached the divisional round of the playoffs. Swift started both of the team's postseason games.

Head coach Ben Johnson also backed Swift in the contract announcement, emphasizing his competitive approach, contribution to teammates and importance beyond his on-field work. Since joining Chicago in 2024, Swift had started each of his 33 regular-season appearances entering Sunday. His receiving production also figured in the announcement: since entering the NFL in 2020, Swift ranked fourth among running backs with 271 catches and 2,097 receiving yards.