Bears coach Ben Johnson chases historic scoring record after record-setting 59-37 opener
PUBLISHED Sep 13, 2026, 7:19 PM ET
The Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 59-37 on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, setting an NFL record for the highest-scoring season opener in league history[cite: 1]. The matchup combined for 96 total points, eclipsing the previous opening-week record of 88 points set in 2018[cite: 1]. Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams recorded 269 passing yards with two touchdowns and added 65 rushing yards with two rushing scores[cite: 1]. Running back D'Andre Swift contributed 124 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Kyle Monangai rushed for 100 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown run[cite: 1]. The 59 points scored by Chicago established a franchise record for an opening game, surpassing a mark set in 1948[cite: 1]. Carolina quarterback Bryce Young passed for 361 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the Panthers competitive through a 31-24 halftime score before second-half turnovers and defensive penalties secured the victory for Chicago[cite: 1].
By Yusra M. | JQJO News
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Associated Press published record opening game report on September 13 2026[cite: 1]. https://apnews.com/article/bears-panthers-score-d19e8db235dc34f4fd74069b55cfe748
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Caleb Williams and Bears trounce Panthers 59-37 in highest-scoring season opener in NFL history
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